Fatal crash - SH1 Manawatu - UPDATE

Wednesday, 8 January 2014 - 9:44am

Central

Traffic diversions remain in place after a fatal crash occurred in the early hours of this morning on State Highway 1, south of Sanson.

Diversions are currently in place on Milner Road and Himatangi Crossroads (State Highway 56). The diversions are expected to continue to at least 12 noon today.

The crash occurred just after midnight and involved two trucks; a B-train and a semi-trailer, and a Nissan vehicle travelling between Sanson and Foxton.

One person in the Nissan vehicle died at the scene and while Police believe there was a second person in the vehicle this has yet to be confirmed. Also at this stage Police cannot confirm the gender of the deceased.

"Both truck drivers did not sustain any injuries from the crash but were taken to hospital for assessment. They are both understandably very shaken up from the crash and we hope to formally speak to them in the next few days," says Senior Sergeant Nigel Allan, Area Response Manager.

Preliminary indications suggest that all three vehicles were travelling southbound at the time of the crash.

As a result of the crash all three vehicles have caught on fire which has affected the road surface.

The Serious Crash Unit is conducting a scene examination and the vehicles will be removed from the scene today for further analysis.

"I want to thank motorists for their understanding as we work to have the highway open as soon as possible. In the meantime I would ask that motorists take alternative routes and exercise caution on diversion routes," says Senior Sergeant Allan.

ENDS

© Scoop Media