29 April 2008
SH1 is closed and diversions are in place following a fatal collision outside of Taupiri this morning.
The Waikato Serious Crash Unit is currently at the scene of the crash which happened about 8.05am on a passing lane just north of Taupiri Mountain.
Initial indications are the crash happened when a northbound Toyota Landcruiser moved right into a northbound passing lane to overtake a truck and trailer unit.
As the 4x4 was passing the truck it has collided with a southbound Nissan car inside the northbound passing lane.
The driver of the Nissan was killed in the crash while the driver of the Toyota was treated at the scene by St Johns Ambulance staff.
SH1 between Huntly and Taupiri is expected to be closed for several hours to allow a scene examination to take place.
Traffic has been diverted off SH1 on to SH39/ Riverview Rd across the Tainui Bridge at Huntly and Police are asking northbound motorists to make use of SH39/ Hakarimata Rd from Ngaruawahia.
Southbound traffic can turn off SH1 across the Waikato River on to SH39/ Riverview Rd from Rangiriri or alternatively take SH2-27 from Bombay.
END