Emergency services respond to the crash last night.
Two people have died after a crash at Iwitahi, east of Taupō which led to a car catching fire.
Emergency services were called to State Highway 5 just before 6pm on Sunday after a two-car crash between Motukino Rd and High Level Rd.
“Sadly two people died at the scene,” police said in a statement.
Another person was taken to hospital in a critical condition.
A St John media spokeswoman said one ambulance and one rapid response unit responded to the scene.
One person was assessed and treated before being airlifted to Waikato Hospital in a critical condition.
The Serious Crash Unit has examined the scene, and inquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.
A Fire and Emergency spokesperson said they attended the scene, where a car was on fire.
SH5 was closed between Caroline Drive and Taharua Rd and reopened about 2am.
Rotorua Airport and Air NZ say they are working to address challenges.