Crash in Pyes Pa closes highway

Two cars have crashed on Pyes Pa Rd, closing the highway for almost an hour.

A police media spokesman said police were notified about the crash just after midday and were told the vehicles were blocking the road.

The crash was on Pyes Pa Rd (State Highway 36) between Keenan Rd and Merrick Rd.

A 34-year-old man has been taken to Tauranga Hospital with moderate injuries.

The person in the other car has no injuries.

Senior Constable Darren Nicholas said the man was wearing his seatbelt and that was what saved his life.

He said it appeared the man's car had drifted over the centre line and collided head-on with the other vehicle.

One lane has been opened and traffic is flowing again slowly, a reporter at the scene said.

The other lane should reopen shortly.