Woman believed dead in fiery crash

A person, believed to be a woman, is dead after their 4WD lost control, hit a power pole, rolled and burst into flames, south of Palmerston North today.

The crash happened about 12.30pm at the intersection of State Highway 57 and Kara Rd, on the northern outskirts of Shannon.

The driver, the sole occupant of the vehicle, was towing a trailer south in wet conditions and lost control on a straight piece of road, said Central District highway patrol Senior Sergeant Kris Burbery.

It took some time before the electricity could be turned off so firefighters could contain the fire, he said.

Police were trying to identify the victim.

The road was closed for a short time and was now down to one lane as contractors replaced the power pole.

- NZPA