Waikato Police are praising the actions of a farmer who extinguished a small fire in the engine compartment of a car involved in a fatal crash near Benneydale yesterday, averting the potential of further tragedy.
Emergency Services were called to the scene of the crash at Kopaki on SH30 about 1.50pm.
Waikato Road Policing Manager, Inspector Leo Tooman said the crash was currently under investigation by the district's Serious Crash Unit however initial indications on what caused the crash were that one of the cars involved was on the wrong side of the road.
"A west bound Mazda 3 car with two overseas tourists aboard has crossed the centreline on a bend and collided with an oncoming east bound Toyota Hilux utility.
"The 47-year-old female driver of the Mazda died in the crash while her 45-year-old sister suffered serious injuries and was trapped in the wreckage for some time before being freed by fire-fighters."
Reports the deceased was a male are incorrect.
Mr Tooman said further tragedy was averted when a nearby farmer arrived and extinguished a small fire that had started in the engine compartment of the car.
"The driver of the utility suffered moderate injuries, both injured parties had to be transported to Waikato Hospital by ambulance because inclement weather prevented the use of an air ambulance helicopter," said Mr Tooman.
"The investigation team are currently working with their Interpol colleagues to establish the nationality of the tourists and advise next of kin and complete the formal identification process."
Meanwhile the name of a driver killed when his car collided with a cow near Hinuera on Monday night has been released.
He was 40-year-old Jason MEAGHER of Chartwell, Hamilton.
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