Update: Man, 66, dies in crash

A car is loaded onto a tow truck following a fatal crash this morning.

A 66-year-old man is dead and another seriously injured after a two-car crash between Rotorua and Taupo this morning.

The crash happened on State Highway Five about 300m north of Tutakau Rd.

The 36-year-old male driver of the second vehicle was flown to Waikato Hospital by the Taupo-based Greenlea Rescue Helicopter in a serious condition.

Both vehicles received extensive damage in the crash.

Senior Sergeant Fane Troy said the cause of the crash was under investigation.

"Police will be looking at the environment, vehicles and drivers to see what factors, if any, they contributed to the crash."

He encouraged drivers when traveling long distances to plan their journeys and take breaks every two hours

The Rotorua Serious Crash Unit is investigating the cause of the crash.

Road and weather conditions at the time were fine.

Speed limit in the area is 100km/hr.

Police will release the name of the man once family has been informed.

State Highway 5 was closed for about four hours.

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