News from NZ Police
A women in her 70s was was killed when a van carrying ten elderly occupants left the road 3kms north of Dargaville this afternoon, ending up in a ditch.

Police at the scene confirm that eight other passengers have been transported to Dargaville hospital for precautionary checks – all are elderly. There were ten people in the van including the driver who was not injured.

The van was travelling towards Dargaville and failed to take a right-hand bend. Police serious crash investigators are speaking to witnesses and mapping the scene in an attempt to ascertain the cause of the crash.

SH14 was closed as emergency services dealt with the crash. There were no practical diversions around the scene and motorists were advised to delay travel through the area. The road was blocked while tow trucks were positioned to secure the van which was in an unstable position.

By 6.25, police were ready to open one lane through the scene of the crash.

Police are in the process of notifying various next-of-kin for those involved and further information may not be available for release until tomorrow.