Two critically injured as car hits tree then parked car in Palmerston North

Two people were critically injured when the car they were in hit a tree and then a parked car in Palmerston North late this afternoon.

The crash happened on Napier Road near the intersection with Ihle Street in Terrace End about 4.50pm.

Police say two people in the first car have been taken to Palmerston North Hospital in a critical condition.

The three people in the parked car were uninjured.

The Serious Crash Unit has been examining the scene and diversions were expected to be lifted shortly, police said in a statement about 6.20pm.