State Highway 2 crash: one dead, one critical after cars collide between Katikati and Waihī

One person is dead, another is critically injured and the highway between Katikati and Waihī is blocked after two cars collided late on Saturday afternoon.

Police are asking drivers to avoid the area after the crash about 4.50pm involving two vehicles on State Highway 2 near Tanners Point, about 6km north of Katikati.

Later in the evening, police said one person was dead and another was critically injured. As of 7.30pm the road remained blocked.

The crash happened on State Highway 2 near Tanners Point in the Bay of Plenty. Photo / George Novak

Police are asking motorists in the area to delay their travel.

Fire and Emergency communications shift manager Josh Pennefather said four fire trucks were at the scene. Firefighters are using rescue tools to free two people stuck in their vehicles, he said.

The Herald has sought comment from St John.