Cordons remain in place in New Plymouth's Merrilands while the Serious Crash Unit examines the scene of a fatal crash

Emergency services, including Urban Search and Rescue, were called to Riversdale Drive about 9:15 where a car had crashed into a house.

Police says the sole occupant of the vehicle died at the scene, while a person on the property was taken to hospital with moderate injuries.

Fire and Emergency says reaching the occupants was made difficult by the car being buried in the home.

Stuff reports a witness saw the car overtaking a bus at speed before it crashed.