Man cut free after bus and car collide

State Highway 1 south of Taupo has re-opened after a crash between a bus and car which left man with serious injuries.

Northern fire communications shift manager Jaron Phillips said the crash occurred on SH1 at the intersection of Heuheu Parade, at Tauranga Taupo - 17km north of Turangi, about 1pm.

The driver of the car was trapped in their car but eventually freed by firefighters just before 2pm.

A rescue helicopter airlifted the driver of the car to Waikato Hospital with serious injuries.
Bay of Plenty police Senior Sergeant Mike Membery confirmed there were passengers on the bus at the time but none of them were injured.

The police serious crash unit was sent to the scene straight away.

Lengthy diversions - forcing traffic around the western side of Lake Taupo - were originally in place but NZTA has confirmed both lanes of SH1 were re-opened about 4.30pm.

The scene of the crash is also home to a 25kph sign-posted corner and a bridge which crosses the Tauranga Taupo river.

The New Zealand Transport Agency has confirmed SH1 is now open following the crash.

"Emergency services and our contractors have managed to clear the site and both lanes of SH1 are now open," said NZTA spokeswoman Natalie Dixon.

However traffic in the area had built up and motorists were being advised to avoid it if they could.