Two killed in SH29 crash, diversions in place

Two people have been reported killed after a crash involving a car and an empty milk tanker on State Highway 29.

Police said it appeared the car had drifted across the centre line and collided with the tanker travelling in the opposite direction on the Tauranga side of the Kaimais.

Inspector Ian Brooker said reports from the scene indicated the male driver and female passenger of the car died instantly. The truck driver was uninjured.

Inspector Brooker said the highway was completely blocked and motorists should avoid the area. A diversion for light vehicles would be put in place on Old Kaimai Rd, he said.

Meanwhile, a stock truck carrying sheep rolled just before 9pm this evening and is blocking SH30 approximately 7km south of Te Kuiti.

Police said another truck was reported on fire on SH1 south of Tirau and the highway has been closed.

They said the truck was not thought to be carrying hazardous material, but the scene was being treated with caution. Diversions are in place.

- NZHERALD STAFF