Six involved in serious crash on deadly SH2

A person is understood to be badly injured after a three-car crash on State Highway 2, north of Tauranga today.

The section of SH2 between Whakamarama and Apata has been closed to traffic as emergency services treat six people involved in the crash.

The New Zealand Transport Agency advised people to delay their journeys or avoid the area if possible.

Police turn traffic around at Esdaile Rd and SH2 after a serious crash near Apata. Photo/Sam Motion

The crash is near the intersection with Apata Station Rd and was reported at 15.28pm, a police spokeswoman said.

Police confirmed a person was seriously injured and a helicopter has been requested. The Serious Crash Unit has been advised.

A bystander said police were turning traffic around. She was travelling north via Apata Station Rd.

The traffic is really bad, she said.

A photographer said a cordon has since been placed at the junction with Esdaile Rd.

Another motorist said traffic was backed up as far as Moffat Rd in Bethlehem.

Emergency services were also responding to reports of a car and motorcycle crash in Judea, Tauranga.

SH2 WHAKAMARAMA - CRASH - 4:00PM

A serious incident has been reported near Apata Station Road. Emergency Services are on site and an update will be provided as soon as more information is available. For now, caution is advised in the area. ^MF pic.twitter.com/PVQO5saICG

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Waikato/BoP (@WakaKotahiWaiBP) March 16, 2018

More to come