Whanganui Police are investigating a fatal crash where two cars collided on State Highway 3, about 3 kilometres east of Waitotara at approximately 12:30pm today.
The head-on collision involved a blue west-bound Mazda hatchback and a white east-bound Nissan saloon.
The female driver of the Nissan was pronounced dead at the scene and her male passenger was airlifted by a rescue helicopter to the Taranaki Base Hospital. He sustained moderate injuries and is in a stable condition.
The male driver of the Mazda, who was the only occupant in the vehicle, was transported to the Whanganui Hospital by ambulance and is in a serious condition.
Police, Ambulance, and the Fire Service attended the scene.
Supported by the Serious Crash Unit, Whanganui officers are currently conducting a scene examination.
It is unknown at this stage what factors have led to the crash, however further inquiries are continuing in an effort to determine how it occurred.
Police want to speak to anyone that saw either of these vehicles on State Highway 3 in and around Waitotara prior to the crash. Anyone with information is asked to contact Constable Allan Spooner on (06) 213 4141.
No further details about the woman will be released until formal ID is complete and next of kin has been informed.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Sara Stavropoulos on 027 702 0850.