Logging truck and car collide

PHOTO/FILE

UPDATED: Five people have been injured following a crash on the Napier-Taupo Rd this morning.

State Highway 5 is currently blocked in both directions after a logging truck and a ute, carrying four men, collided near Te Pohue about 10am.

St John Hawke's Bay acting district operations manger Brendon Hutchinson said two of the men were airlifted to Hawke's Bay Hospital in a critical condition.

He said the driver of the logging truck was left shaken but unharmed.

The two other passengers in the ute were transported to hospital by ambulance, while a fifth victim, a nearby motorist who rushed to the scene to help the injured, was treated for a gash to his arm.

Hawke's Bay Today understands from several sources that the injured include speedway drivers who were travelling to Rotorua for a race. They were towing a stock car.

Motorists should expect delays with traffic at a standstill in both directions.

Police said those planning to travel on the highway are urged to reschedule their journey or take alternative routes.

There is no indication at this stage when the highway will be reopened.