One person dies in Dairy Flat accident

One person died in hospital following a serious accident at Dairy Flat this morning, raising the vacation highway toll to eight.

Two vehicles were involved in the collision on Kahikatea Flat Rd.

Police rushed to the scene of the accident and advised motorists to avoid the area.

Shortly after the crash, a local told the Herald that the collision had occurred between a six-wheeler and a car pulling out of a driveway.

The Serious Accident Unit was notified.

Inspector Scott Webb, manager of road surveillance for Tamaki Makaurau, told Newstalk ZB that it was concerning that the holiday road toll had already reached eight, double last year’s toll for the entire holiday period.

“Any death is too much,” he said.

“The repercussions for family and loved ones across the spectrum are enormous.”

Christmas traffic would only intensify as a second wave of tourists drifted away shortly, he said.

“Be patient. Plan ahead. Wear seat belts.”

Earlier today, one person was killed after a two-vehicle accident on Nikau Rd in Pahiatua.

Yesterday afternoon, two people were killed in an accident between a milk tanker and a motorcycle in Southland.

The accident occurred at the Oreti River Bridge on the Riverton-Wallacetown Expressway around 1.30pm.

A man died at the scene, while a woman died in hospital shortly after.

The West Auckland community was reeling after an accident on Boxing Day claimed the lives of two promising young men.

Jack Heritage Jr. and Viliami Muru-Teutau, both 20 years old, died after the accident on the Triangle Rd bridge that connects Massey and Henderson.

Two others were taken to hospital.

The first victims of the Christmas road toll occurred on Christmas Day with the deaths of Terry Charleston, 34, and Rebecca McAlees, 24, after a single vehicle accident in southeast Auckland.