Fatal car accident SH1 north of Levin - road delays (25 Mar 2009)

[Beemer]

Anyone travelling along SH1 should be aware there has been a fatal accident south of the Waitarere Beach turn-off so there is a detour in place.

"11am. Emergency services are attending a two car head on crash on State Highway one just south of the Waitarere Beach turn off (north of Levin). Injuries are not yet known but it is believed there are at least 3 passengers involved, one of whom may be in serious condition. Both lanes are blocked at this stage and delays should be expected.
Traffic is being diverted around the crash site via Koputaroa Road which runs off State Highway one both north and south of the scene."

This was followed by: "One person has been confirmed deceased at the car crash on State Highway one north of Levin. Diversions will therefore remain in place for an indefinite period. The status of the other two occupants of the vehicles is not known Issued By: Sergeant Bruce Mackay"

[MSTRS]

That seems to be a bad area for fatals. Not good.

[Beemer]

Second one in a similar location in a month or so - that was a fatal too.

Just got an update:

"Incident type: car crash - second fatality

It has now been confirmed that a second person has died as a result of the crash on State Highway One north of Levin. Both were occupants of the same car. A male in his 20's from the second car was cut free by emergency services and has been flown to Palmerston North Hospital.
His condition is described as serious.
The road is expected to be reopened in approximately 40 minutes.
Issued By: Sergeant Bruce Mackay"

Edited to add - road is cleared and open again now.