Te Puke Highway crash: One dead and two seriously injured in two-car collision

One person died, two others were seriously injured and Te Puke Highway temporarily closed after a two-vehicle crash last night. Photo / NZME

One person has died and two others are seriously injured after a crash that closed a Bay of Plenty highway last night.

Police said they were called to the two-vehicle crash on Te Puke Highway, between Bell Rd and Poplar Lane, about 7.15pm.

The Serious Crash Unit has examined the scene and the road was now open, police said. Inquiries are ongoing.

Initially, police indicated there were critical injuries but confirmed the fatality this morning.

Emergency services were at the scene for much of the evening, with diversions in place via Pacific Coast Highway at Poplar Lane and Welcome Bay Rd, as well as at Bell Rd on Te Puke Highway.

Motorists were urged to avoid the area, take alternative routes and delay travel if possible.

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