Fatal Coromandel crash expected to close highway for several hours

As emergency services work to free a critically injured patient from the wreckage following a head-on collision in the Coromandel, Waikato Police are urging drivers to use care on the district's roads.

Shift manager, Senior Sergeant Andrew O'Reilly, of the Waikato District Command Centre said the crash happened on SH25 at Pukepoto between Tairua and Whitianga about 6.55am.

"Units are at the scene alongside fellow emergency services and the Serious Crash Unit is travelling there at present so it is too early to speculate on the cause of the crash.

"At this point we believe two vehicles, each with one occupant have collided head-on.

One driver has died while another has suffered critical injuries.

An air ambulance helicopter is flying to the scene to transport the injured party, once freed to hospital."

Mr O'Reilly said while little is confirmed about what caused the crash what is known is that SH25 will be closed for several hours and Police are advising against all but absolutely urgent travel in the area.

"There are no diversions available where the crash happened and people in Whitianga intending travelling south towards Thames, Whangamata or Waihi will need to do so via Coromandel and the Thames Coast Rd.

"Heavy transport vehicles are asked, where possible, both the area around the crash and the Thames Coast Rd due to anticipated heavy traffic flows diverted on to this route."

Mr O'Reilly said where as yesterday afternoon's fatal crash near Morrinsville occurred in a period of wet weather, today's collision occurred in ideal driving conditions.

"It just goes to show, you can't take your eye of the ball when the weather fines up, driving is a challenging task irrespective of climate, conditions or terrain and we need to drive to survive."

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