One dead in serious crash on SH5 at Tapapa between Rotorua and Waikato

A person has died in a three-vehicle crash on a main highway between the Waikato and Rotorua.

State Highway 5 at Tapapa between Tapapa and Maraeroa Rds was closed for several hours on Sunday as the police Serious Crash Unit carried out a scene examination.

A police spokeswoman said the road reopened late on Sunday night.

Police said in an earlier statement the crash was reported at 3.15pm.

They confirmed one person died at the scene.

“Two other people were transported to hospital with moderate to serious injuries.”

A Hato Hone St John spokesperson earlier said it was notified of an incident on SH5 in Tapapa at 3.12pm, and responded with two ambulances and a first-response unit.

Two patients were treated and transported to Waikato Hospital in a moderate condition.