One dead after serious Te Puke crash

State Highway 2 is current closed while motorists traveling to Rotorua or Whakatane for the long weekend are being advised that the alternative route is via SH36. Photo / Supplied

UPDATE 10:13am: Traffic is slow but free flowing after a fatal crash along State Highway 2 between Pah Rd and Rangiuru Rd near Te Puke this morning.

Western Bay of Plenty road policing Sergeant Wayne Mr Hunter advised motorist to take it easy when travelling over the long weekend.

"Watch speed and distance is important." said Mr Hunter.

UPDATE 9:11am: One person has died after a serious crash involving a logging truck and a car in Te Puke this morning.

The crash happened along State Highway 2 between Pah Rd and Rangiuru Rd near Te Puke about 7.35am this morning.

Inspector Kerry Watson of Northern police communications said no information on the identity of this person will be released until next of kin are located and advised.

The person travelling in the vehicle was in a critical condition but died on the way to Tauranga Hospital, said Tauranga St John shift commander Kurt Golding.

The driver of the truck was treated by paramedics at the scene.

Pah Rd and Rangiuru Rd along State Highway 2 is now reopen to traffic in both directions after emergency services cleared the scene.

Congestion is very heavy and will take sometime to clear, said Inspector Kerry Watson of Northern police communications, said Mr Watson.

More to come.

EARLIER: Emergency services responded to a serious crash involving a logging truck and a car on SH2, between Pah Road and Rangiuru Road in Te Puke at around 7.35am this morning.

State Highway 2 is current closed while motorists traveling to Rotorua or Whakatane for the long weekend are being advised that the alternative route is via SH36.

The road is expected to be closed for several more hours as emergency services step in and assess the incident, police say.

MORE TO COME.

- NZ Herald