Five injured, one seriously, after two-car crash near Taupō

Police and ambulance staff rushed to the scene of the two-car crash.

Five people have been injured, one seriously, in a two-car collision on State Highway 1, south of Taupō.

Police were called to the crash just before 4pm. A police spokeswoman said two cars were involved.

One person was seriously injured in the crash, another had moderate injuries and three further people sustained minor injuries in the crash.

The patient with serious injuries was taken to Rotorua Hospital, according to the police spokeswoman.

The state highway near Rotongaio Rd in Waitahanui was initially blocked but had since been cleared.

A St John spokeswoman said three ambulances were sent to the scene. Two rescue helicopters were also sent.

The Serious Crash Unit will be examining the scene.