Head-on crash kills tot

A child died as a result of a head-on collision on East Coast Rd near Redvale at about 3.10pm on Friday.

Police say the southbound car crossed the centre-line and collided with the north-bound vehicle head-on.

"A member of the public saw the accident and quickly stopped," says Rodney strategic traffic unit sergeant Steve Perris.

"They then pulled all the passengers out of one of the cars, moments before it caught on fire."

One driver was sent to North Shore Hospital while the other was taken to Auckland Hospital.

Three children were in the southbound car.

Adam Pretorius, four, died at the scene.

Two others were sent to Starship.

The road was closed for more than three hours and traffic was diverted on to Bawden and Lonely Track roads.

The serious crash unit is investigating.

"We would like to thank the member of the public who assisted at the accident," says Mr Perris.

- © Fairfax NZ News