Two dead, one critically injured after crash between car and truck south of Waiouru

Two people have died and one is in a critical condition after a crash between a car and a truck south of Waiouru on Tuesday morning.

Police said the crash was reported about 11.05am on Tuesday and happened between Hassett Drive and Waiaruhe Road.

Those who died were travelling in the car and the young person who was critically injured was ejected from the vehicle, police said.

The truck driver was uninjured but shaken up after the accident, police said.

Police said they were providing support to the families of those involved and members of the public who were first on the scene.

The Serious Crash Unit has carried out a scene examination and the Commercial Vehicle Safety team will assist in the investigation.

Police said enquiries to establish the cause of the crash were likely to take some time.

Part of State Highway 1 is closed but expected to reopen this afternoon.