Fatal Desert Rd crash: State Highway 1 to reopen after collision closes main route

The Desert Rd was closed for six hours after a two-vehicle crash left one person dead. Photo / File

One person has died in a crash on the Desert Rd closing the road for six hours.

Detours were put around the affected section of State Highway 1 this afternoon as crash investigators examined the wreckage.

The road was expected to reopen by 7pm.

The two-vehicle collision happened about 1.10pm, a police spokesman said.

“Sadly, one person was located deceased at the scene,” he said.

The road was closed while police’s Serious Crash Unit undertook a scene examination.

This evening, police said the road was expected to reopen about 6.45pm.

“Motorists are thanked for their patience while emergency services and contractors worked at the scene.”

Police earlier said the road had been blocked near the Oturere Stream in a remote section of the highway.

The New Zealand Transport Agency said SH1 was closed between Rangipō and Waiouru.

UPDATE 2:30PM
SH1 Desert Rd remains CLOSED between Rangipo and Waiouru due to a crash. Northbound road users detour via SH49, SH4, SH47 and SH46. Reverse for southbound travellers. Allow extra time for your journey. ^SG https://t.co/STWh2xTCfT pic.twitter.com/oGlUJX1Ubs

— NZ Transport Agency - Waikato & Bay of Plenty (@nztawbop) June 7, 2025

Motorists needed to detour on to SH49, SH4, SH47 and SH46, the transport agency said.

“Allow extra time for your journey,” the agency said.

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