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Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi

Two people have died in separate single-vehicle crashes in the Far North in less than 24 hours.

Just before 4pm on Thursday, five people were hurt in a car crash near Waiharara, north of Kaitāia.

A police spokesperson said one person received critical injuries and died at the scene, while three others were taken to hospital with injuries ranging from serious to moderate.

The spokesperson said Kaimaumau Road, which connects State Highway 1 and Rangaunu Harbour, was blocked and urged motorists to avoid the area.

Police, St John Ambulance, and Kaitāia and Houhora volunteer fire brigades responded.

Kaitāia fire chief Craig Rogers said the vehicle had crashed into a drain at a sharp corner.

Firefighters had to extricate the deceased, who appeared to have been thrown from the vehicle and was trapped underneath.

The Waiharara fatality came less than 24 hours after another person died near Moerewa.

That crash occurred on Wahamiti Lane, Ōtiria, about 9.50pm on Wednesday.

The police Serious Crash Unit is investigating both incidents.

The latest deaths bring Northland’s road toll so far this year to nine, according to Ministry of Transport figures.