One dead after two-car crash near Ōpōtiki on State Highway 2

One person has died following the serious crash on State Highway 2 near Ōpōtiki this afternoon.

A woman, 54, and girl, 14, are stable in the intensive care unit.

They were taken by helicopter to Tauranaga Hospital in serious and moderate condition.

The road near the Waioeka River Bridge had closed, but was completely opened by 7pm.

A resident that lives nearby said she didn't see the crash but could see traffic backing up as the bridge was the only route in and out of the town.

"There is still some traffic waiting on the town side but I think most have turned around.

"Some people have parked their cars and walked home over the bridge."

A police spokeswoman said the Serious Crash Unit would examine the scene.

She confirmed there had been a serious two-car crash on State Highway 2 outside of Ōpōtiki near Woodlands Rd.

Emergency services are responding after being called to the scene about 3pm.

A St John spokeswoman confirmed two helicopters were at the scene along with three ambulances.

Initial indications were one person was critically injured, one seriously injured and two people were moderately injured.

The road is currently blocked and motorists are asked to avoid the area.

New Zealand Transport Agency have confirmed the road is now closed near the Waioeka River Bridge.

Motorists should expect delays or delay their journey.

A witness saw the two vehicles collide and had been waiting in the traffic which was "backed up for kilometres."

He said the site had been blessed and the serious crash unit had finished allowing motorists to now drive through.