A collision between a school bus and a car near Ball Road, between Hawera and Patea around 3:45pm this afternoon has resulted in one person dead.
The bus was carrying approximately 30 children when it ended up on top of a vehicle carrying a woman and an 8-year-old girl.
The woman died at the scene, and the girl who had to be freed from the vehicle by the Fire Service, has been flown to Wellington Hospital in a serious condition.
Acting Taranaki Area Commander Inspector Frank Grant said: "The children and the bus driver sustained no serious injuries from the crash; however they are all badly shaken up and are currently being picked up by family."
"The Serious Crash Unit is on the scene and they are working to establish the cause of the crash. Over the coming days we will be speaking to witnesses to piece together what has happened in the lead up to this tragic incident," said Inspector Grant.
Police will not release the name or any other details about the woman until next of kin has been informed.