The road is currently blocked. Police advise motorists to avoid the area and seek alternative routes.
A Hato Hone St John spokesman said two ambulances, one manager and one rapid response vehicle responded to the crash.
“We transported one person to Waikato Hospital in moderate condition by ambulance.”
Police later confirmed another person had died at the scene, while one other person was transported to Waikato Hospital in a serious condition.
The road remained closed at 2.20pm on Thursday, with cordons in place on both sides of Rawhiti Rd and Station Rd.
A Fire and Emergency spokesman said the motor vehicle crash happened on SH26 just north of Te Aroha.
“We got the call at 7.49am,” the spokesperson told the Waikato Herald on Thursday morning.
“We had six fire trucks in attendance and we are just assisting police at this stage.”
When asked if a person was trapped in the crash, the spokesperson said that question would need to be answered by police.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi issued an alert about the crash on social media about 8.30am.
“Please follow directions of emergency services or response crews in the area,” the alert said.
A further update from NZTA issued at 8.45am said SH26 was closed between Rawhiti Rd northern end and Rawhiti Rd southern end.
“Allow extra travel time for the short detour.”
At 10.30am, NZTA posted to social media saying the section of SH26 would likely remain closed “for some time today” as police undertake a serious crash investigation.
More to come.
Maryana Garcia is a Hamilton-based multimedia reporter covering breaking news in Waikato. She previously wrote for the Rotorua Daily Post and Bay of Plenty Times.
