Truck driver seriously hurt, diesel spill on road and State Highway 5 closed following crash

State Highway 5 has been closed following the incident. Photo / File

Emergency services have closed State Highway 5 near Tarawera following a major incident which saw a truck and trailer crash.

The road is likely to be closed for at least five hours following a diesel spill after the truck jack-knifed earlier today.

"The truck appears to have jack-knifed and crashed, blocking both lanes," police said.

"The driver of the truck suffered a medical event and is now in a serious condition in hospital.

"The road will be closed for at least five hours, as there is a large diesel spill across the road which will need to be cleared."

Police arrived on the scene near the Tarawera cafe around 5.40pm and are now waiting on a heavy haulage crane to right the truck and trailer.

Motorists are asked to avoid the area until further notice.

Meanwhile, a number of breakdowns and crashes throughout Auckland have cleared and its motorways are now mostly free-flowing.

However, northbound lanes on the Southwestern Motorway are heavy but easing approaching Mangere Bridge due to an earlier crash which has been cleared.

UPDATE 6:35PM
Due to a serous crash, #SH5 is CLOSED between Napier & Taupo. Please delay your travel if possible.
Alternate routes are available. Via SH3 Palmerston North will add approx. 3.5 hours to your journey. SH2 Gisborne will add approx. 5 hours. https://t.co/LOeNB5OE1X

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Central North Island (@WakaKotahiCNI) March 11, 2019