One person dead after crash on State Highway 3 at Awakino Tunnel

People are being asked to avoid Awakino tunnel - NZTA says the road is likely to remain closed for most of the day. Photo / Dean Purcell.

One person is dead following a crash on State Highway 3 at the Awakino Tunnel.

The accident has taken the Easter Weekend holiday road toll to two.

Police were called to the two-car crash at 1.20pm and say the road which connects Taranaki and Waitomo is likely to be closed for the rest of the day.

People are being asked to avoid the area - NZTA says the road is likely to remain closed for most of the day.

SH3 AWAKINO TUNNEL - SERIOUS CRASH - 1:20PM
Due to a serious crash #SH3 is CLOSED at the Awakino Tunnel. More information to come, including closure points. Avoid the area if possible or delay your journey. Please note the road is likely to remain closed for most today. ^MF pic.twitter.com/4QH2pehnHm

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Waikato/BoP (@WakaKotahiWaiBP) April 22, 2019

A motorist told the Herald cars were still heading into the Gorge, unaware of the crash and closure.

"Traffic is backed up at least 500m, as people try to find a spot to turn around. Emergency services at the scene said not to bother waiting at the cordon, as it will be closed for hours. The nearest place is the Awakino Hotel, which is now full of families and holiday travelers, figuring out how they will get home now."