Two people are fighting for their lives and a third is seriously injured following a two-car crash in Whakarewarewa, south of Rotorua.
Emergency services scrambled to the accident scene on State Highway 5 after being alerted to the crash about 7.50pm on Monday.
The road was closed and motorists were urged to avoid the area and expect delays.
As of Tuesday morning the road had reopened.
An NZME reporter at the scene on Monday night said traffic had been diverted down SH30 and several trucks were parked on the side of the highway.
A car of people visibly upset had parked at the cordon and began walking down the highway toward the crash scene.
A police spokesperson said the crash on SH5 was reported to police at 7.50pm.
“At this stage, we do not have confirmed information regarding injuries. An update will be issued as soon as that information is available.
A St John spokesperson said they sent two ambulances, an operations manager and a rapid response vehicle.
”Two people in a critical condition are being transported to Rotorua Hospital as well as a third with serious injuries.”
NZTA said on Monday the Rotorua to Taupo road was closed.
“Due to a serious crash between Tumunui Rd and Waipa State Mill Rd, the road is closed. Expect delays.”
A detour is in place and motorists are asked to follow the direction of emergency services.
Residents have posted about the crash on a local Facebook page.
“Looks serious, roads closed.”
“Lots of ambulances,” another person wrote.
One woman commented that her daughter was turned around and she could hear people screaming from their cars.
Meanwhile, another crash occurred on SH1 before the Old Taupo Rd and Arapuni Rd, north of Tokoroa.
A St John spokesperson said they received a call around 9.30pm about a car and truck crash.
“There is one ambulance on scene and one rapid response vehicle on the way.
“There is one patient in a serious condition and three with minor injuries.”
A St John spokesperson said they received a call around 7.26pm about a “van rollover” on Broadlands Rd in Rotokawa.
“We sent a rapid response unit, two ambulances.
“Three patients with serious injuries have gone to Taupo Hospital and another seven people have been transported there by private vehicle.”
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Police have issued a warrant for the arrest of Mathew Karetu.