UPDATED: Fatal crash near Dargaville

6.30pm: Police are about to open one lane through the scene of the fatal crash just north of Dargaville.

Police at the scene confirm that a woman passenger in her 70s has been killed and eight others have been transported to Dargaville hospital for precautionary checks - all are elderly. There were ten people in the van including the driver who was not injured.

The van was travelling towards Dargaville and failed to take a right-hand bend. Police serious crash investigators are speaking to witnesses and mapping the scene in an attempt to ascertain the cause of the crash.

Police are in the process of notifying various next-of-kin for those involved and further information may not be available for release until tomorrow.

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One elderly person is dead and seven others injured after their van rolled down a bank 3km north of Dargaville about 4.20pm.

Ambulance communications shift manager Brett Tobeck said the crash happened on State Highway 14, Tangowahine Valley Rd.

Only one vehicle was involved.

The road is expected to be closed for several hours.

Towtrucks are positioned to secure the van which is in an unstable position.

The seven injured people are being taken for treatment by ambulance and helicopter.