Crash investigators will today return to the scene of a fatal crash that claimed the life of a mother and left her two children injured west of Ngaruawahia overnight.
Waikato Road Policing Manager, Inspector Marcus Lynam, said emergency services were called to the scene on Waingaro Rd, near the intersection with Ohautira Rd about 9.40pm.
"The woman and her 18-month-old and six-year-old children had been reported overdue by her partner about 7.10pm after they had failed to arrive home from Hamilton where they had last been seen about 3pm.
"The father and friends were searching for her vehicle on Waingaro Rd when they heard the six-year-old child and found the SUV overturned down the bank in a waist high creek. The children were rescued from the vehicle and a woman travelled to a nearby hotel to raise the alarm because of bad communications in the area."
Mr Lynam said the woman died of her injuries at the scene while the two children were flown to Waikato Hospital with status two and three injuries.
"At this time we don't know the cause of the crash and the Serious Crash Unit will be returning to the scene today to oversee recovery of the vehicle and motorists should expect delays if travelling on Waingaro Rd.
"While the crash investigation is still in its formative stages, Police would like to extend their sympathies to the family for their tragic loss."
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