State Highway 2 is expected to remain closed to traffic traveling between Tauranga and Katikati for a few more hours.
Traffic is being diverted along Omokoroa Rd and Youngson Rd after a person died in a crash involving a truck and car at 5.35pm just north of Omokoroa Rd.
Traffic has since been backed up as far as Bethlehem. A reporter at the scene said traffic was moving very slowly. The cordon around the scene was expected to remain in place for a few more hours.
Police released a statement saying the driver of the car had died and a crane was enroute to right the truck and trailer, which had rolled onto its side.
EARLIER: A person has died in a collision between a truck and car on State Highway 2 at Omokoroa.
The collision has involved a truck and trailer unit, slightly north of the intersection with Omokoroa Rd at 5.35pm.
Traffic is already backed up to Bethlehem. Motorists can expect significant delays.
Fire communications shift manager Jarron Phillips said a person has died at the scene and the highway was now closed.
Firefighters from Tauranga, Mount Maunganui, Katikati, have been called to the collision.