The Waikato road toll now sits at 24 following a fatal head-on crash which killed one man and seriously injured two others near Tahuna.

Police say a truck travelling south on State Highway 25 appears to have crossed the centreline and collided with a northbound car just north of the No. 9 Road this morning shortly after 6am.

One man has been killed and two others seriously injured following a head-on crash near Tahuna this morning. Photo: Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter

The driver of the car died at the scene and two passengers, which includes a 12-year-old girl, were airlifted to Waikato Hospital in a serious condition by the Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter.

'The Police Serious Crash Unit are at the scene and are conducting a scene examination to establish cause, and this will be ongoing,” says Road Policing Manager Inspector Freda Grace.

'Police are calling for witnesses who may have seen both vehicles on SH27 at 6am, in particular they are asking for the driver of a white utility, who was following the truck at this time, to come forward.”

The truck driver also suffered injuries and transported to Waikato Hospital via ambulance.

Already this year 24 people have been killed in 18 fatal crashes on Waikato roads.

Police are imploring drivers to think about driving as a safety exercise, 'which is no different to any other activity that involves risk”.

Freda says it is so important motorists ensure both themselves and their vehicles are fit for driving before heading out on the roads.

'Is our vehicle in good condition, are we, as drivers in good condition – not fatigued, starting out tired, under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or distracted by other things going on.

'Ensuring we are ready, as well as our vehicles, is just as important as the actual driving.”

'Once on the road it is important to stick to the rules, they are designed to keep us safe and always exercise patience and consideration for others,” says Freda.

If you have any information about the fatal crash on State Highway 27 north of the No. 9 Road call Morrinsville Police on 07-889-5071.