Two killed in head-on crash near Taupo

A man and a woman are dead after a head-on crash on State Highway 1 between Taupo and Turangi this morning, police said.

Emergency services were called to the crash, between Waitahanui and Hatepe, south of Taupo about 8am, Senior Sergeant Andy Warne of Taupo police said in a statement.

The driver of a northbound vehicle died at the scene while his male passenger was moderately injured and taken to Taupo Hospital.

The female driver of the southbound vehicle was flown to Waikato Hospital but pronounced dead on arrival, Mr Warne said.

The accident happened on a straight piece of road and although cold, the road did not appear icy, he said.

The names of the people killed were expected to be released later today after next of kin had been told.

- NZPA