One dead in five-vehicle crash in Taupiri, north of Hamilton

Emergency services have rushed to the scene of a serious crash on SH1B. Image / Google

A person is dead and at least three others have been injured in a five vehicle pile-up north of Hamilton.

Emergency services rushed to the serious crash on SH1B in Taupiri at 1.57pm.

The road is closed as the Serious Crash Unit examines the scene and diversions are in place.

St John spokeswoman Chrissy Hamilton said one person had serious injuries, and two more had moderate injuries.

All three were being transported by ambulances to Waikato Hospital.

A Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesman confirmed they had to free a person who had been trapped after the crash.

UPDATE 3.00PM: Please detour via Great South Rd (through Ngaruawahia) for both directions and allow additional time for your journey. ^MF https://t.co/BHzFBq38gu

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Waikato/BoP (@WakaKotahiWaiBP) January 17, 2019

Police have asked motorists to avoid the area and diversions are in place.