Emergency services at milk tanker and tractor crash near Rotorua

Police have cordoned off State Highway 5 north of Rotorua fter a milk tanker and a tractor crashed. Photo / Andrew Warner

State Highway 5 remains closed following a fatal crash between a milk tanker and a mowing tractor near Rotorua.

A police spokeswoman said police were called to the crash, about 25km northwest of Rotorua, about 10.40am.

They have since confirmed one person, the tractor driver, died in the crash.

The truck driver suffered moderate to minor injuries.

SH5 TIRAU TO ROTORUA - ROAD CLOSED - UPDATE 1:30PM State Highway 5 remains CLOSED between Tirau and Rotorua as a...

Posted by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency Waikato BoP on Tuesday, November 24, 2020

Diversions remain in place and motorists planning to use the route are advised to delay travel until further notice or allow extra time for a detour via Tauranga. Heavy vehicles should detour via Tokoroa.

Police cordon points on SH5 are at the SH28, Tapapa, intersection and at Maraeroa Rd intersection for local travel only between Ngongotahā, Hamurana or Mamaku.

Traffic is being managed om State Highway 5 after a crash this morning. Photo / Andrew Warner

Earlier, a St John spokeswoman said two ambulances and a helicopter were sent to the scene.

A cafe owner in the area said she had seen a lot of emergency service vehicles driving past before closing the road.

"There were about four police cars, a helicopter, two ambulances," she said.

State