Traffic is backed up at the scene where a car, pictured on the right, has crashed on SH2 at Otamarakau. Photo/George Novak
State Highway 2 has now been re-opened after a two-car collision this afternoon.
At least one woman has been seriously hurt in the crash which has shut down the highway.
The crash happened about 1.30pm on SH2 at Otamarakau, east of Pukehina.
The woman was eventually cut free from the wreckage about 3.50pm.
Police are now seeking witnesses to the crash and appealing for them to make contact.
A reporter at the scene said the woman was carried to the TECT Trustpower Rescue Helicopter, which was waiting in the centre of the road.
Diversions were in place and traffic was flowing like normal, he said.
People were being asked to travel down Old Coach Rd as emergency services worked to clear the scene on the main highway.
Fire communications shift manager Daniel Nicholson said a woman was seriously hurt and had been trapped.
It is understood another person is also seriously injured.
Severe weather watches and warnings are in force.