A busy rural highway linking the Coromandel to Auckland is expected to be closed for some time as investigators work to determine what caused a crash that claimed the lives of two overseas visitors today.
Sergeant Dave Reid of the Waikato District Command Centre said emergency services were called to the intersection of SH25 and Pipiroa Rd, between Waitakaruru and Kopu, about 7.45am.
"The Serious Crash Unit is on site and currently working to establish the cause of what has occurred so it would be premature to speculate at this time.
"What we do know is that a head-on collision has occurred on SH25 between a Thames bound Mazda Demio car and a Volkswagen Passat heading north away from Thames."
Mr Reid said the two female occupants of the Mazda died in the collision and work is underway to try and confirm their identities and nationalities.
"At this stage we are still trying to confirm it but it appears both women were Australian nationals.
"The sole occupant and female driver of the Passat was freed by fire-fighters and has been airlifted to hospital by helicopter in a serious to critical condition. At this stage diversions are in place at the intersections of SH25 and Bush Rd and SH25 and Pipiroa Rd we would ask people to avoid driving in the area unless it is urgent."
Mr Reid said Police are urging all drivers to take care on the roads and remember that other people make mistakes, so be prepared.
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