Car and book bus collide in Tauranga, leaving one person dead

The scene of this morning's crash near Welcome Bay. Photo / Alan Gibson

A man involved in a crash with Tauranga's mobile library bus has died.

A Bay of Plenty reporter at the scene on Welcome Bay Rd said police confirmed that one of two men seriously injured in the crash has died after the red Holden Astra they were travelling in was in collision with the bus, outside the Faith Bible College.

The crash happened at 9.05am on a strong bend outside Faith Bible College. The bus had been travelling toward Papamoa, while the car had been travelling toward Welcome Bay.

Police said early indications were that the car lost control and crossed the centre line after rounding a bend before hitting the bus travelling in the opposite direction.

Police closed the stretch of road between Water Lane and Kairua Rd as Serious Crash Unit investigators examine the scene.

Western Bay of Plenty head of road policing Senior Sergeant Ian Campion asked people to avoid the area if possible but diversions were in place.

It was likely the road would be closed for some time, he said.

The car's two occupants, both 20, were both seriously injured and trapped in the vehicle before the passenger died at the scene.

Firefighters freed the men and the survivor was taken to Tauranga Hospital, but he was not believed to be seriously injured.

The male bus driver was unhurt.