Holiday road toll now 11 after person killed on SH29, Lower Kaimai Ranges

Part of State Highway 29 has been closed after the crash. Photo / Google

A person has been killed in an early-morning crash in the Lower Kaimai Ranges.

Emergency services responded to a serious crash between a truck and a car on State Highway 29 just before 5.30am.

The crash closed off the road in both directions between Soldiers Rd and Valley View Rd.
The road has since re-opened.

The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing.

Earlier

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Police confirmed at about 8am that a person had died in the crash and that the Serious Crash Unit is now at the scene. The death brings the holiday road toll to 11.

Reports of a collision came in at about 5.23am, police said.

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Motorists are being told to avoid the area completely as there will be "significant delays," a statement said.

Diversions are in place for traffic going in both directions.

Those travelling towards Tauranga are told to use SH5 via Ngongotahā then SH36 instead.

Motorists going the opposite way are told to use SH2 via Waihī or SH36 via Ngongotahā before getting onto SH5.

"We thank motorists in advance for their patience."