Waikato crash: One dead, SH5 closed between Rotorua and Tīrau

One person has died in a crash on State Highway 5 between Tīrau and Rotorua.

The highway is closed after the three-vehicle accident, which was reported to police at 3.25pm.

Police said one person died at the scene and three people were seriously injured.

The highway was closed between Webster Rd and Whites Rd while the Serious Crash Unit conducted a scene examination.

Motorists were advised to avoid the area and expect lengthy detours.

Waka Kotahi said the detour was via Sommerville Rd, Okoroire Rd and Hetherington Rd.

A three-vehicle crash has closed State Highway 5 between Tīrau and Rotorua. Image / Google

It comes as local roads are closed for maintenance and the affected highway is part of the detour.

NZTA Waka Kotahi said works would close State Highway 1 between Putaruru and Tīrau in both directions from 7am on Monday this week for four weeks, subject to weather conditions.

The agency said traffic would be detoured via SH28 (Whites Rd) and SH5 (Tapapa) during this period adding about five minutes to journey times.