Serious crash closes Desert Rd

Three people have been killed in a crash which has shut down State Highway 1 at Turangi this morning.

Police have confirmed a car and truck collided on Desert Rd, killing three occupants of the car.

Another person has suffered critical injuries and has been transported to Waikato Hospital for further treatment.

Police Serious Crash investigators are at the scene.

NZTA have this week issued warnings to motorists to take extra care in the area because of snow and ice.

This morning it advises south-bound motorists to use SH46 and SH47 to gain access to National Park, then left onto SH4 and left again ont0 SH49 to Waiouru. North-bound motorists are advised the same route.

The NZTA advises this will add about 40 extra minutes to the journey.