Two people were trapped after a head-on collision between a car and logging truck in which one person was critically injured near Taupo this morning.
Emergency services were called to the crash on the East Taupo Arterial Rd at Rotokawa, south of the overpass bridge, some 16km northeast of Taupo, about 5.30am.
Inspector Andy Brill of police northern communications said a car and truck had collided head-on.
One of the vehicles involved was a logging truck, a Fire Service spokeswoman said.
Police said two people were trapped in a vehicle but had since been rescued.
A St John ambulance spokeswoman said one person was airlifted to Waikato Hospital in a critical condition.
Police have closed the road between Broadlands Rd and the overbridge.
The road was expected to stay closed for some time and the public were advised to take alternative routes until further notice.
The police serious crash unit was at the scene.