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A woman has died and a baby taken to Rotorua hospital after a crash on State Highway 5.
Police said the collision was between to vehicles travelling in the opposite directions about 2.55pm today.
The baby was taken to hospital but was not believed to be injured at this stage, police said.
"Two men from the second vehicle have been transported to Rotorua Hospital with moderate injuries
"An investigation into the cause of the crash is underway."
The Rotorua-bound lane re-opened at approximately 5.10pm and the Taupo-bound lane is expected to open shortly.
No further information was expected tonight from police.
Earlier:
One person has died in a crash on State Highway 5.
Emergency services are at the scene of the two-car crash near Waipa State Mill Rd. Police were alerted to the incident at 2.50pm
A St John ambulance spokeswoman said they took three people to Rotorua Hospital. Two with severe injuries and one with moderate injuries.
Earlier:
Northern Fire Communications shift manager Colin Underdown said there was one fatality and three other people were trapped, with one critically injured.
"Crews are working to cut them free now," he said.
Police said in a statement the road was fully blocked and was expected to be closed for several hours.
"This closure affects all traffic between Rotorua and Taupo on State Highway 5 and all traffic between Rotorua and Tokoroa on State Highway 30 and there is already considerable congestion," police said.
"Any motorists intending to use these routes are advised to delay their trips, or use the longer alternative route from Rotorua across the the Mamaku Range to pick up State Highway 1, and the reverse if travelling to Rotorua from Taupo or Tokoroa."
Police said traffic already on State Highway 5, heading into Rotorua, will be diverted off at Waikite Valley.
The New Zealand Transport Agency said the detours in place will add approximately 1.5 hours to the normal travel time.