Three people have died on New Zealand roads this morning in two separate crashes that occurred less than five minutes apart.
Two people died and another was in moderate condition after a two-car head-on crash on State Highway 2, near Papatawa.
Emergency services were called to the scene at 5.48am.
A Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesman said one person was trapped on arrival and firefighters helped with extrication.
Due to the "seriousness of the crash", the incident was now a police matter, the spokesman said.
Moments earlier, one person died after a one-vehicle crash on Millars Road, Longbush, Carterton.
Emergency services were called to the scene at 5.45am
The roads are both closed and diversions are in place. Motorists are asked to avoid the areas.
The Serious Crash Unit is examining the scenes.
Further south, a large truck is blocking one lane after a crash in Lindis Pass that happened at about 6am.
Emergency services have confirmed to 1 NEW that the driver has moderate injuries.
The B train truck is up to 92 feet long and consists of two trailers linked together.
Due to the manner in which the trailer is coupled to the prime mover, in the event of a roll over the complete combination is susceptible to roll.
Motorists are advised to expect delays between the Phillips Road and Timburn Road intersections.
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