Update: A man who sustained serious head injuries in a three-car crash near Opotiki remains in a critical condition at Tauranga Hospital.
The man was transported to hospital by helicopter. A hospital spokeswoman said the patient was undergoing scans to determine the extent of his injuries.
St John Lakes area territorial manager Hilary MorrishAllen confirmed the critically injured man was the person initially trapped in one of the vehicles.
"He was taken with critical head injuries to Tauranga Hospital. Three children and two adults sustained minor injuries and were taken by road ambulance to Whakatane Hospital."
She said three other adults were assessed and discharged at the scene.