One person has died in a two car crash on State Highway 33 at Paengaroa this morning.
The drivers of both cars were trapped in their vehicles when emergency services arrived at the crash.
Police said one person died at the scene and the other had leg and chest injuries and was being cut from the wreck by the Fire Service.
Traffic is being diverted around the crash site via Old Coach Rd, Roydon Downs Rd and Allports Rd.
The police serious crash unit will be investigating.
Inspector Clifford Paxton said it was the sixth fatal crash on Western Bay of Plenty roads this year, says.
Mr Paxton said the man was travelling west on State Highway 33 and was the only occupant of the car.
Another man, travelling east in the other car, was cut from the wreckage after the two cars collided and taken to Tauranga Hospital with serious injuries.
He was also the sole occupant of his car.
Diversions remain in place and the road is expected to remain closed until at least 1pm, Mr Paxton said.
A three-week inquest in Hamilton is investigating the Olympian's death in 2021 aged 24.