Person dead after vehicles collide near Taupō, police seek witnesses

State Highway 1 near Taupō was closed earlier today and motorists were advised to avoid the area after a fatal crash. Image / Google Maps

Police want to speak with anyone who witnessed a collision between two vehicles near Wairakei, Taupō, that killed one person and led to two others being rushed to hospital.

The State Highway 1 crash happened about 7.30am on Saturday between Link Rd and Kauri Drive.

“Two vehicles travelling on a straight stretch of road collided”, police said in a statement.

The sole occupant of one vehicle died at the scene, while two people from the second vehicle suffered minor to moderate injuries, police said.

The Serious Crash Unit has examined the site and the stretch of SH1 has since reopened after earlier disruptions.

“Police are asking to hear from anyone who saw the crash occur, or who might have dashcam footage of it”, Senior Sergeant Fane Troy said.

Fire crews from Taupō district were dispatched to the scene and assisted ambulance and police, a Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesperson said.

Police want witnesses to call 105 and quote reference number P063212014.