Horror crash: Three dead in Te Araroa, Gisborne

State Highway 35 at Te Araroa on the East Coast. Image / Google

Three people are dead after a horror crash on State Highway 35 in Te Araroa in the Gisborne district early this morning.

Police confirmed the fatalities just after 9am - three hours after the crash happened about 5.45am.

A spokeswoman said the crash involved one vehicle.

"Sadly, all occupants of the vehicle died at the scene," she said.

"An investigation into the cause of the crash is underway."

UPDATE 8:25AM#SH35 Te Araroa remains CLOSED, due to a serious crash south of Tokata Rd. Please continue to avoid the area or delay your journey if possible, as there is no suitable detour available. ^APhttps://t.co/A7r51eRJf4

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Central North Island (@WakaKotahiCNI) November 15, 2020

Emergency services remain at the spot, just north of Gisborne, more than three hours after the incident.

Motorists have been told to avoid the area altogether, as the road is closed off.

Fire and Emergency NZ earlier said it had sent two fire trucks to the crash.

St John confirmed it also sent two ambulance vehicles, but referred all inquiries to police.

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency said the road is blocked just south of Tokatā Rd.

"Please take extra care and expect delays," NZTA said on its Twitter alert.