As emergency services work to clear the wreckage, Waikato Police say far too many rural people are dying on rural roads following the latest fatal crash on the District's roading network.
District Road Policing Manager, Inspector Leo Tooman, said this crash, which happened on Old Taupiri Rd near Ngaruawahia about 6.15pm, had claimed the life of a yet to be identified female driver and left another woman in a critical condition.
"The crash is currently being investigated by the Waikato Serious Crash Unit and initial indications are a northbound Subaru Impreza has failed to negotiate a bend and smashed through a fence.
"A woman travelling as a passenger in the car suffered critical injuries in the crash while a male adult passenger suffered minor injuries. Two boys believed to be aged five and seven-years-old were taken to Waikato Hospital by ambulance suffering from what was described as minor to moderate injuries."
Mr Tooman said the SPCA has also been called to the scene to deal with a puppy injured in the crash.
"At this stage it is far too early to determine the cause of the crash but we are investigating what, if any part, speed and alcohol played in what happened."
With this latest crash the second serious collision to occur in the Waikato in 24 hours Mr Tooman said drivers need to realise that they have to respect the road no matter if they are on a major highway, city street or rural road.
"Last year 24 people died in 19 crashes in rural locations out of a total 51 deaths in 44 crashes, too many people are dying on our rural roading network and after last night's collision on SH3 near Ohaupo, we are fortunate we are not dealing with another fatality.
"After tonight's crash we now have one woman who won't be at the table enjoying Christmas with her family next month with the realistic possibility of the skilled medical staff not being able to prevent the death of another, it's happening too often and we need a whole of community solution."
Mr Tooman said with the Waikato road toll of 38 being the highest in the country the public needed to work with Police to prevent further road trauma.
"It's not just the job of Police to address the issue, blue and red flashing lights can't be seen everywhere and its up to friends and families to ensure their loved ones are fit to drive- that they are fit to survive, that is the only way we can ensure safer journeys for all road users."
End