Two people have died and seven others have been injured in a crash on State Highway 5 near Reporoa involving a van and a tanker.
The crash happened at approximately 4.30pm and emergency services are still on scene. The dead and injured are all from the van.
Some of those injured have been transported to Rotorua Hospital. Others have been airlifted to Waikato Hospital.
No further details are available at this stage and further information will be released when available and appropriate.
The road will remain closed for some time and diversions are in place at Reporoa Road and Settlers Road.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 027 234 8256.