Updated: One dead in Kaimai crash

PHOTO/REBECCA SAVORY

UPDATED 5.28pm: One person is dead after a two-car crash on the Kaimai Range this afternoon.

The two cars crashed close to the summit lookout on the Kaimai Range, SH29 shortly after 4pm.

Police are still at the scene and the road has been closed. The police serious crash unit have been called.

It is not yet known what caused the crash or how long the road would be closed for.

Police said in a statement they were aware that the only options for motorists and transport companies were via either Rotorua or Paeroa and would be actively reviewing the situation to enable the road to be reopened as soon as possible.

Police are stopping cars at Tauriko - advising motorists of the crash and the road closure.

Earlier: A person is reported to be trapped in their car after it was in collision with another car at the top of the Kaimai Range this afternoon.

A fire service northern communications spokesperson said two cars had crashed at the summit of the Kaimai Range near the lookout shortly after 4pm.

Emergency services are on their way from Tauranga and Matamata, he said.