SH2 closed after crash in Athenree Gorge, north of Tauranga

Police have been called to Athenree Gorge. Photo / File

Five people have reportedly been injured, one seriously, in a crash involving two vehicles in the Athenree Gorge, north of Tauranga.

As of 3.50pm, State Highway 2 in the area remained closed.

The crash was reported to police shortly before 11am.

It happened on the highway near Arden and Mathers roads, approximately 2-3km from Old Tauranga Road towards Tauranga.

Four people have minor injuries and one person has critical injuries, a police spokesperson said.

The critically injured person was taken to Thames Hospital by helicopter.

Police advised motorists to avoid the area and seek alternative routes if possible, as the road will be blocked for some time while emergency services work to clear the scene.

The serious crash unit has been notified.

A St John Ambulance media spokeswoman said three patients were taken via ambulance to Tauranga Hospital in a moderate condition.

The person airlifted out was in a serious condition.

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency says State Highway 2 is closed between Old Tauranga Rd and Athenree Rd.

Southbound vehicles should detour via Waihi Beach Rd, Wilson Rd onto Seaforth Rd, Emerton Rd, Steele Rd and Athenree Rd for SH2 - reverse if travelling northbound.

SH2 ATHENREE GORGE, BAY OF PLENTY - SERIOUS CRASH - UPDATE 3:50PM SCU and tow are now on site and the road remains...

Posted by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency Waikato BoP on Thursday, April 1, 2021

A Fire and Emergency NZ spokesman said four fire trucks were called to the scene.

That included two from Mayor View Volunteer Fire Brigade and two rescue fire trucks from Waihi and Katikati fire brigades.