Person killed in petrol tanker crash in Bay of Plenty

A petrol tanker and car have collided in the Bay of Plenty this morning. Photo / Melanie Camoin

One person is dead after a petrol tanker and car collided in the Bay of Plenty today.

The crash happened just after 8am between Katikati and Waihi and closed State Highway 2.

The highway at Athenree Gorge was not expected to open again until about midday, emergency services at the scene said. Diversions were in place.

Firefighters wait for the police Serious Crash Unit to arrive after a crash between a car (in the ditch) and a petrol tanker (behind the fire truck) on SH2 near Katikati. Photo/Melanie Camoin

The tanker and car crashed near the intersection of Mathers Rd.

Waihi fire chief Moe Stevens said emergency services were now waiting for the police Serious Crash Unit to arrive, in about an hour.

St John Ambulance was unable to say how seriously anyone else was injured.