State Highway 29 closed after fatal crash in Lower Kaimai

Emergency services at the scene of a two-vehicle crash on State Highway 29. Photo / George Novak

One person has died and another person is seriously injured in a two-vehicle crash this afternoon, which has closed State Highway 29.

Police are still at the crash, near Ruahihi Rd, and significant delays are expected.

A police spokeswoman said officers were called to a crash between a truck and a car at 2.20pm.

In an update at 5.50pm, police said the road was still closed.

A St John ambulance spokeswoman said one person was taken to Tauranga Hospital in a serious condition and another had minor injuries.

Two ambulances and a rapid response vehicle were called to the scene, the spokeswoman said.

Motorists are asked to avoid the area. Diversion routes include Poripori Rd for south and westbound motorists, or Cambridge Rd via Poripori Rd, SH36 or SH28.

A Poripori Rd resident, who spoke anonymously, said traffic was backed up and people were being diverted down his road.

"All I know is that the phone lines are down but that is nothing compared to what might have happened to the people in those cars," he said.

The resident said there had not been a serious crash that had closed the road in the area for a while.

The Serious Crash Unit has been advised.

New Zealand Transport Agency has tweeted that the road has been closed but motorists should delay their journey as the Kaimai Ranges may have to close.

SH29 KAIMAI RANGES - ROAD CLOSED - 2:45PM
Due to a serious crash #SH29 is NOW CLOSED in the Lower Kaimai area, near Ruahihi Rd. Delay your journey as full closure of the Kaimai Ranges may yet be required. More to follow: https://t.co/zcGWnBuBZq ^TP pic.twitter.com/Qd2iAe8mrh

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Waikato/BoP (@WakaKotahiWaiBP) June 17, 2019