Update, 1.50pm: Twelve people have been injured and taken to hospital following a two-vehicle crash on State Highway 5 near Rangitaiki School Road, Taupō District, this morning.

Hato Hone St John was notified of a motor vehicle incident on State Highway 5, Rangitaiki at 10.27am and responded with four ambulances and one rapid response unit.

Four helicopters were also sent to the scene.

"Our crews have assessed and treated twelve patients, with their conditions ranging from minor to serious," a St John spokesperson said.

Nine patients have been airlifted to Waikato hospital; four in a serious condition, three in a moderate condition, and two in a minor condition.

Three patients have been transported via road to Taupo hospital;  two in a moderate condition, and one in a minor condition.

Update, 12.20pm: Emergency services are responding to a crash in which multiple people have been seriously injured.

Two vehicles crashed on State Highway 5 near Rangitaiki School Road, Taupō District, about 10.30am.

“Early reports indicate our crews have assessed and treated thirteen patients, with their conditions ranging from moderate to serious,” Hato Hone St John said.

Four ambulances, one rapid response unit, and four helicopters were sent to the scene.

“At this time, two patients in serious condition have been airlifted to Waikato hospital, and one patient in a serious condition has been airlifted to Hawke’s Bay hospital.”

The road is blocked, and motorists are advised to expect delays.

Earlier, 11.20pm: Police are responding to a two-vehicle crash on State Highway 5 near Rangitaiki School Road, Taupō  District.

The crash was reported around 10.30am.

“Initial indications suggest multiple people have been seriously injured,” a police spokesperson said.

“Helicopters are enroute to transport the patients.”

The road is blocked, and motorists are advised to expect delays.

At the scene?

Phone 0800SUNLIVE or email newsroom@thesun.co.nz