Two women, believed to be from Australia, have died in a head-on collision on State Highway 25 south of Thames.
The crash happened at the intersection of SH25 and Pipiroa Rd, between Waitakaruru and Kopu about 7.45am.
Sergeant Dave Reid of the Waikato District Command Centre said the head-on collision occurred between a Thames-bound Mazda Demio car and a Volkswagen Passat heading north away from the town.
Mr Reid said the two female occupants of the Mazda died in the collision and work was underway to try and confirm their identities and nationalities.
"At this stage we are still trying to confirm it but it appears both women were Australian nationals.
"The sole occupant and female driver of the Passat was freed by fire-fighters and has been airlifted to hospital by helicopter in a serious to critical condition.
State Highway 25 just south of Thames has now re-opened to traffic.
