Two injured in serious crash in Minden near Te Puna, SH2 reopens

The crash happened near the intersection of Clarke Rd and State Highway 2. Photo / George Novak

Two people have been badly injured in a crash on State Highway 2 north of Tauranga.

A St John spokesman said two people with serious injuries had been taken to Tauranga Hospital by ambulance.

Police responded to reports of a serious crash on the highway in Minden in the Western Bay of Plenty at 2.30pm.

Police initially said a truck and car had collided but have since said this was incorrect.

"Police can now confirm that a single car has crashed into a tree and its two occupants are in a serious condition."

Traffic was backed up along State Highway 2. Photo / George Novak

The crash was near the intersection of Clarke Rd.

The highway was closed to eastbound traffic for a period but reopened at about 4pm.

A photographer at the scene at about 3pm said traffic was extremely backed up, however, fire trucks at the scene were beginning to leave.

A witness said they heard a "big bang" before people went rushing to help.

Another witness who was driving a few minutes behind described it as a nasty crash.

She said it was a sad sight to see the two people involved, and debris "everywhere".