Update: A man who sustained serious head injuries in a three-car crash near Opotiki remains in a critical condition at Tauranga Hospital.
The man was transported to hospital by helicopter. A hospital spokeswoman said the patient was undergoing scans to determine the extent of his injuries.
St John Lakes area territorial manager Hilary MorrishAllen confirmed the critically injured man was the person initially trapped in one of the vehicles.
"He was taken with critical head injuries to Tauranga Hospital. Three children and two adults sustained minor injuries and were taken by road ambulance to Whakatane Hospital."
She said three other adults were assessed and discharged at the scene.
The head-on collision happened around 1.50pm today and was attended by police, fire and ambulance crews.
The police serious crash unit will be investigating.
Update: One person is being flown to hospital with serious injuries following a head-on collision involving three cars near Opotiki.
Diversions have been put in place from State Highway 2 and Paerata Ridge Rd onto Old Creamery Rd, Crooked Rd, Hukataia Rd, Woodlands Rd and back onto State Highway 2.
The police serious crash unit will be investigating.
Update: One person is trapped and eight others injured in a three-car crash near Opotiki.
Emergency services were called to the crash on State Highway 2 at 1.50pm.
A fire communications spokeswoman said five of the patients were children.
She said emergency services were currently trying to free the trapped person, who has suffered serious injuries.
The road is blocked and motorists are being advised there will be significant delays in the area.
Earlier:
A serious vehicle crash has blocked SH2 to the west of Opotiki.
Police and other emergency services are in attendance.
Public are advised that there will be significant delays in the area.
More to come.