18 Apr 05:37 AM. An investigation will be launched into the circumstances of the crash, Watson said. Pilot dead after microlight plane crash in Taranaki . Police said trucks and heavy vehicles are being diverted to Old Mountain Rd, while cars were being diverted to Tariki Rd South. The driver of a car involved in a serious crash in Manutahi, South Taranaki earlier today has died. Taranaki Mountain Shuttles wont operate on Tuesday and Wednesday while the company observes a rahui out of respect and cultural protocol after the death. The Dawn and National Commemoration . Police extended their condolences to the Drinkwaters family and friends. Firefighters helped with traffic control, first aid and scene cleanup. The sole occupant of the vehicle died at the scene. The single vehicle crash occurred on State Highway 45 shortly after midday. State Highway 3 near Tariki was closed for a number of hours as the serious crash unit investigated the . Please follow the directions of emergency services on-site. One person has died following a crash in South Taranaki. Beckers said most alpine people would be aware of the risk of rocks and ice falling on Mount Taranaki. Two people were killed in a car crash in South Taranaki on Thursday morning. A male pedestrian also died last night following a bus crash in Taranaki St in central Wellington. Police are advising motorists to avoid the area, and said the road would be closed "for some time". Police have confirmed two people died in a two collision in central Taranaki on Friday. Emergency services were notified at about 5.20pm of the two-vehicle crash involving a car and a truck on South Rd, which is now closed between Upper Manutahi Rd and Ball Rd. A police . The pilot involved in the microlight plane crash in Taranaki has died. Please avoid the area and consider an alternate route. State Highway 3 closed after serious crash in Taranaki.