Fatal South Waikato crash follows busy night for local first responders

Five emergencies in the South Waikato left one person dead, and five others injured in 24 hours.

Yesterday morninga man died after a serious crash between two trucks near Kinleith, on State Highway 1.

Cordon at the intersection of State Highway 1 and and State Highway 30 after fatal crash. Photo / Ben Fraser

The crash happened about 8:35am near The Bull Ring Cafe, at Atiamuri, just south of another minor two-car crash near the intersection with Humphrey Rd.

Debris, including timber, was strewn 100m along the road.

Police believe the crash was a head-on.

A helicopter and two ambulances were sent to the scene.

The highway was closed for several house.

Just 2.5 hours earlier, first responders were called to a house fire in Tokoroa.

St John took three people to Tokoroa Hospital - one person in a serious condition, one in a moderate condition, and one in a minor condition.

House on Dalmeny St, Tokoroa, engulfed in flames. Photo / Supplied

A Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesman said crews were called at 5.51am yesterday to a home on Dalmeny St and told at least one person had suffered burns.

"It was fully involved when they arrived."

A neighbour said he got up when "there were people swearing, the cat ran away, dogs started barking".

Then he saw the house next door fully engulfed in fire.

"I shifted my car and waited for the brigade to get there."

There was a handful of people on the street.

"I talked to some kids on the back lawn too and made sure they were okay, and that no one else was inside."

House on Dalmeny St, Tokoroa, engulfed in flames. Photo / Supplied

The neighbour said he did not know the occupants of the house, and he was not concerned for his own property.

"There was no wind so the flames were just going straight up and the smoke wasn't being blown around. The fire brigade had it under control really quickly."

One appliance from Putaruru and two from Tokoroa were sent.

A fire investigator was at the scene.

On Thursday night, a vehicle crashed off a bridge near Taupō, on Broadlands Rd at 8.05pm.

A police spokeswoman said the driver suffered moderate injuries.

There were two serious crashes involving motorcycles near Taupō about 1.20pm and 2.20pm yesterday. One person was seriously injured.

The 2.20pm crash involved a motorcyclist on Wairakei Drive near Te Aro Rd and Wairakei Rd about 8km north of Taupō.

After the earlier crash between a motorcycle and car near the intersection of Otake and Whangamata Rds in Marotiri one person was airlifted to Rotorua Hospital with serious injuries.