The driver of the stolen car who died in a car crash near Katikati overnight was an 18-year-old man from Huntly.

The teenager died when police say the stolen Hyundai Accent he was driving and a Nissan Bluebird crashed head-on near Lindemann Road just after 5pm.

A section of State Highway 2 near Katikati was closed for hours while police investigated the fatal crash.

The driver of the Nissan – a 54-year-old from Waihi – is in Tauranga Hospital in a stable condition with moderate injuries today.

Police say it appears the stolen car was being followed by police from Waihi when it sped away out of sight and immediately crashed with the Nissan travelling in the opposite direction.

Bay of Plenty Police communications manager Kim Perks says an investigation into the cause of the crash is underway.

She says the Independent Police Conduct Authority has been notified, which is a matter of course when police have been following a vehicle prior to a crash.

Firefighters from Katikati were called to the crash just after 5pm where Katikati Volunteer Fire Brigade senior firefighter Brendan Gibbs says the driver of the Nissan was cut from the car using the jaws of life.

'Once he was removed from his car he was taken to Tauranga Hospital in serious condition.

'Just like any other fatal, the scene is pretty much treated like a homicide.

'We try not to move anything and cover the car, with the body in it, so the public can't see it. Then we wait for police to clear us, and leave the scene.”

Brendan says the brigade is then placed on standby until police call them back to cut the body of the deceased from the vehicle.

'Both cars were severely damaged. The alleged stolen vehicle was basically bent in half. The other vehicle had the motor practically sitting in the passenger seat.

'The road was closed for about three to four hours. Once both vehicles were removed from the scene, the road was re-opened.”

Bay of Plenty Police District Commander Superintendent Glenn Dunbier said at the time it is very early into the investigation so full details are still being ascertained.

'We will ensure that there is a thorough and independent investigation into the circumstances that led up to this tragedy."

The name of the man who died at the scene is expected to be released later today, once next of kin has been notified.

Police are still appealing for witnesses to the crash or who may have seen the green Hyundai Accent prior to the crash to come forward.

Anyone with information relevant to this investigation is asked to contact Tauranga Police on 07 577 4300.