Police have named the woman killed after a crash on State Highway 1, on Sunday.

Esther Grace Lynn Chavel Bhana, 33, died following a two-car crash on the highway near Tirau yesterday afternoon.

Police say Esther's vehicle was heading south on SH1 when it crossed the centreline, colliding with a northbound vehicle.

Two other passengers were taken to Tokoroa Hospital with moderate injuries. The driver of the northbound vehicle was not injured.

The road was closed for three hours following the 4.20pm crash due to both lanes being blocked by the vehicles and debris. Weather conditions at the time of the crash were wet.

The Police Serious Crash Unit is investigating the fatal crash north of Tirau which occurred yesterday afternoon, and the investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing.

The environment, vehicles and drivers will all form part of the investigation to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the crash, says a police spokeswoman.

”This is a timely reminder for motorists to ensure they are driving to the conditions, especially when roads are wet after long periods of dry hot weather.”