South Waikato crash: Person dies following two-vehicle collision outside Putaruru

One person has died following a two-vehicle crash in the Waikato town of Putāruru.

Police said emergency services were called to the accident on Whites Rd/State Highway 28 at the intersection with Harris Rd just before 5pm.

“One person sadly died at the scene,” they said.

The road remains closed while the Serious Crash Unit conducts a scene examination. Detours are in place via State Highway 1 and State Highway 5.

FINAL UPDATE 7:00 PM: #SH28 (Whites Rd) is closed between the SH1/28 Intersection and the SH28/SH5 intersection to allow NZ Police to carry out a serious crash investigation. For further up-to-date information this evening please check our website at: https://t.co/cJegutjXCW ^JF https://t.co/V1H6ks4Ftm

— NZ Transport Agency - Waikato & Bay of Plenty (@nztawbop) January 21, 2025

Hato Hone St John said it sent two ambulances, two helicopters and one rapid response vehicle to the scene.

They transported one person in a moderate condition to Tauranga Hospital and two in a serious condition to Waikato Hospital.

Maryana Garcia is a Hamilton-based reporter covering breaking news in Waikato. She previously wrote for the Rotorua Daily Post and Bay of Plenty Times.