Three people are dead, two are critically injured and one is seriously injured after two crashes in Waikato this afternoon. Photo: RNZ / Diego Opatowski
Three people have died in two separate crashes in Waikato this afternoon.
Police said two people died and two were critically injured after a crash on Rodda Road in Rangiriri which they were called to at 4.10pm.
The road would remain closed for some time and motorists should avoid the area, police said.
About an hour earlier, one person died in a two vehicle crash on State Highway 1 in Tirau.
Another person was reported to have serious injuries and the Serious Crash Unit was examining the scene.
The road was closed with diversions in place.
Police were asking motorists to avoid the area and said the road was likely to remain closed for some time.
Waka Kotahi said the stretch of road between State Highway 5 and 28 would likely be closed until the morning because of a significant chemical spill after a tanker carrying 25 tonnes of hydrogen peroxide rolled.
A hazmat unit is on the scene and a crane was moving the tanker so the extent of the leak could be assessed.
Te Whatu Ora Waikato said there was minimal risk to the public.