SH2 crash: Three people seriously injured near Katikati, SH2 closed at Aongatete

Emergency services have been called to a crash near Tahawai. Photo / File

Three people have been seriously injured in a crash in the Western Bay of Plenty this evening, Hato Hone St John says.

State Highway 2 south of Katikati has been closed after the serious crash.

Emergency services were called to the crash on SH2 near Aongatete about 5.15pm.

A St John spokesperson said four ambulances were sent to the scene.

"We assessed and treated three patients with serious injuries and one patient with moderate injuries transported to Tauranga Hospital."

A Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesman said two trucks were at the scene about 5.40pm.

Police said the road would be closed for at least three to four hours and advised motorists to avoid the area if possible.

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency said at 6.50pm that the highway was closed between Hot Springs Rd and Sharp Rd in Aongatete.

"Our crews are on-site, and cordons are being set up. There are heavy delays around the crash scene, so please avoid the area if possible.

"At this stage, the road is likely to stay closed for a few hours, firstly for a serious crash investigation to take place, then followed by crash clean-up."

Emergency services were also called to an earlier crash on Omanawa Rd.

A Hato Hone St John spokesman said it was notified of the incident at 2.04pm and had sent one ambulance and a rapid response vehicle.

One person was transported by road to Tauranga Hospital in a moderate condition.

Police said it was a crash involving a single vehicle that left the road.