Two dead after serious two-vehicle crash on State Highway 2, south of Hastings

Two people have died after a road crash south of Hastings this afternoon.

Emergency services were called to the two-vehicle accident on State Highway 2, Poukawa, near Pekapeka wetlands, about 2.30pm.

“Two people sadly died at the scene,” a police spokesperson said.

A third person received critical injuries and was transported to hospital.

A St John ambulance spokeswoman said two people were taken to Hawke’s Bay Hospital. One was in a critical condition and one had minor injuries.

“We responded with two ambulances, a rapid response vehicle and an operations manager.”

The stretch of SH2 was closed just south of Pakipaki down to Te Aute Trust Rd. Diversions were in place on SH50.

“The Serious Crash Unit are in attendance, and inquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing,” a police statement said.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi urged motorists to “please use an alternative route or delay your journey.”