Two young women die in Manawatu crash

Photo / NZ Herald

Two young women died in a head-on smash in Manawatu today.

The crash happened about 1.30pm on Stewart Road, close to the intersection with State Highway 3.

A police spokesman said it appeared a Ford vehicle travelling from Sanson toward Feilding went out of control, crossed the centre-line and collided with a Range Rover travelling in the opposite direction.

The driver of the Ford, a 17-year-old Feilding woman, and her front seat passenger, an 18-year-old Sanson woman both died at the scene.

A 54-year-old Palmerston North man, who was driving the Range Rover, was taken to hospital with minor injuries.

An investigation into the cause of the crash is underway by the police Serious Crash Investigation Unit. There was no suggestion that alcohol was involved.

The names of the two dead teenagers will not be released until next of kin have been informed.

- NZPA