Hamilton crash: Two people die after two vehicles collide on Te Rapa Rd

Two people have died in a serious crash on a key road into Hamilton city overnight.  The crash, involving two vehicles, occurred on Te Rapa Rd in the residential suburb of Beerescourt.  Police say emergency services were called to the scene around 12.30am, where they found two people had died.  The road was closed between Forest Lake Rd and Vardon Rd this morning to allow the Serious Crash Unit to conduct a scene examination, but was now being reopened, a police spokesperson said.  An investigation into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.  Hato Hone St John said it was alerted to the incident at 12.28am and sent two ambulances, one rapid response unit and an operations manager to respond.  Two fire trucks were also sent to assist, remaining on the scene for approximately 40 minutes, Fire and Emergency shift manager Josh Pennefather said.  Earlier, police said they were unable to confirm any information regarding injuries to those involved, with the public urged to avoid the area and expect delays.