'Massacre' Taranaki Bus Crash Kills One

A female car driver has died after a school bus crashed with a car in South Taranaki, ending up on top of the car.

The woman died at the scene, and emergency services worked for about an hour to free a girl, 6, who was trapped in the damaged car, police said.

The girl was flown to Wellington hospital by the Taranaki Rescue Helicopter.

The bus, carrying about 30 passengers, ended up on top of the car in the accident, which happened about 3.45pm.

One of the bus passengers, Emma Jane Watson, tweeted about the crash.

"Little kids screaming and crying everywhere. It was awful," she said. "The impact sent me flying face first into the seat in front of me."

The crash happened on State Highway 3 near the Manutahi Hotel.

Diversions were likely.

The Taranaki Community Rescue Helicopter was en route.

Acting Taranaki area commander Inspector Frank Grant said: "The children and the bus driver sustained no serious injuries from the crash; however they are all badly shaken up and are currently being picked up by family.

"The Serious Crash Unit is on the scene and they are working to establish the cause of the crash. Over the coming days we will be speaking to witnesses to piece together what has happened in the lead up to this tragic incident."

Police said they would not release the name or any other details about the woman until next of kin has been informed.