Police are investigating the cause of a fatal road crash this afternoon on SH57 north of Shannon.

The crash happened around 12.30pm when a Toyota 4WD towing a trailer south along the highway appears to have lost control and left the road. The vehicle collided with a power pole, rolled over, and caught fire.

The driver and sole occupant of the vehicle, believed to have been a woman, died at the scene.

Police are making enquiries to identify the victim and notify family members.

The cause of the crash is being investigated by the Serious Crash Investigation Unit.

Anyone with information relevant to this investigation is asked to contact Foxton Police on 06 363 8084.