US man killed in honeymoon tragedy

The Westpac Waikato Air Ambulance responded to the scene of a motor vehicle crash on SH3 at the turn off to Waitomo Caves. Photo / Waitomo News

A newlywed US man is dead and his wife is in a critical condition after a crash near Waitomo Caves this morning.

Police said the honeymooning couple's car collided with a concrete truck at 9:20am, after they failed to give way at the intersection of the Waitomo Caves Rd and State Highway 3.

Fire Service personnel had to cut the couple from the vehicle.

The 28-year-old woman was flown to Waikato Hospital in a critical condition.

However, the 31-year-old man died of his injuries.

Police said the couple had married four days ago in the United States and were on honeymoon in New Zealand.

Waikato Road Policing Manager Inspector Leo Tooman said the crash was an "absolute tragedy".

"My heart goes out to the family and friends of the couple."

Investigations believed the couple had overtaken a stationary green vehicle that was giving way at the SH3 intersection before turning right towards Te Kuiti, Mr Tooman said.

He asked for the driver of the green vehicle to come forward to police.

To give information on the crash call Waikato Serious Crash Unit on 07 850 7050.