Two people were taken to hospital following a two-vehicle crash on State Highway 30, Te Teko, Whakatāne on Saturday afternoon.

Police and Hato Hone St John were called to the crash, near the Kawerau Rd intersection, around 4.50pm.

“Our crews assessed and treated two patients,” Hato Hone St John said.

“One in a critical condition was airlifted to Waikato Hospital and one in a serious condition was transported via road to Whakatāne Hospital.”

SH30 was blocked for some time between Grieve Rd and Te Teko Rd while emergency services worked at the scene, Police said.

Motorists were advised to avoid the area where possible and to expect delays.

NZTA Waka Kotahi advised of a detour.  The eastbound alternative route went left onto Grieve Rd, right onto Otakiri Rd, right onto Te Teko Rd, and returned to SH30. Westbound traffic was in reverse.

“The Serious Crash Unit has been advised,” Police said.

SH30 reopened at 10.15pm.