Fatalities in fiery crash near Tauranga

Photo / George Novak

At least three people have been killed and five including a small child have been injured in a fiery crash outside Tauranga tonight.

Photo / George Novak

Police have just confirmed three people traveling in a van have died following a collision at Te Puna on State Highway 2 about 7.35pm.

Five people including the small child were taken to Tauranga Hospital for minor injuries.

Diversions are expected to remain in place for at least two hours while the scene is cleared and the Serious Crash Unit investigates.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area during this time.

Three people traveling in a van have died following a collision at Te Puna on State Highway 2. Photo / George Novak

SH2 in the vicinity of the crash scene is closed, diversions are in place at SH2 and Snodgrass Roads (Southbound traffic), and SH2 and Te Puna Roads (Northbound traffic).