Horowhenua Police are still at the scene of a fatal crash where two vehicles collided on State Highway One, near Otaki, early this afternoon.
Officers have now established that three people were involved in the crash — a driver and passenger in a Subaru vehicle, and a driver in a Ford Falcon vehicle.
The deceased, a 13-year-old female, was the passenger in the Subaru. It is not believed that she and the driver are related.
Horowhenua Area Response Manager, Senior Sergeant Sarn Paroli says: "Preliminary indications suggest the Subaru was driving on a grass verge by the side of the road when it has pulled out directly into the path of the oncoming south-bound Falcon vehicle."
Both male drivers were transported to Palmerston North Hospital and are in a serious condition. The driver of the Falcon was airlifted and the Subaru driver was taken by ambulance.
Due to the severity of the crash the highway is expected to be closed for the next two hours.
"The Serious Crash Unit is at the scene and Police urge motorists to take care if travelling in the area as diversions have been put in place.
"South-bound traffic is being diverted onto South Manukau Road and north-bound traffic is diverted onto Waitohu Valley Road," says Senior Sergeant Paroli.
Police will not release the name of the deceased until formal identification has been completed and next of kin has been informed.
An update will be sent out once the diversions are lifted.
ENDS
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Sara Stavropoulos on 027 702 0850.