Fiery collision near highway intersection

A serious crash involving a car and two motorcyles on the intersection of State Highway 30 and 33 in Rotorua today.

A motorcyclist is in a critical condition in Rotorua Hospital after a fiery collision at the Whakatane turnoff north of the city.

The man was in a group of three motorcyclists heading towards Rotorua on State Highway 33 when he hit a vehicle which turned in front of him at 2.45pm.

The man crashed into the car before being hit from behind by one of the other motorcyclists.

The first motorcyclist was taken to Rotorua Hospital where he was in a critical but stable condition.

The second was checked at the scene but was not taken to hospital.

One of the motorcycles burst into flames after the collision.

The car driver was in shock but otherwise uninjured.

Police Sergeant Chris McLeod said it appeared the motorcyclists were doing everything right and following the road rules.

Traffic was backed up while emergency services worked to clear the scene. A northbound lane was closed but it has since reopened.