SH1 Manawatu

Fatal crash

Wednesday, 8 January 2014 - 3:55am

Central

Emergency services remain at the scene of a fatal crash that has blocked State Highway 1 south of Sanson tonight.

The crash occurred just after midnight and involved two trucks and a car, travelling between Sanson and Foxton.

Details of the incident are not yet clear but it is believed the car became caught between the two trucks, possibly as one of the vehicles attempted an overtaking manoeuvre, and in the resulting crash it and one or both trucks caught fire. It has not been established if all vehicles were travelling in the same direction at the time.

One occupant of the car died at the scene. It is yet to be confirmed if there were any other occupants. Neither truck driver appeared to have been injured.

Both lanes of SH1 are blocked and will be for some time while a scene investigation is undertaken and debris is cleared from the road. It is not expected that the road will open before mid morning. Diversions are therefore in place as follows:

Southbound traffic will be diverted off SH1 from Rongotea Road. Northbound traffic will be diverted off SH1 from Himitangi Beach Road.

Due to the fact that traffic will be diverted along back roads motorists may experience delays and will need to drive with caution.

ENDS

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