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.
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.