State Highway 2 north of Katikati in the Bay of Plenty is now open after a serious crash earlier today.

Police said they were called to the two-vehicle crash, involving a truck and van, between Wolseley Rd and Bridgman Lane around 8.50am.

A Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesperson said one person was trapped and had to be freed from a vehicle.

One person was airlifted to Waikato Hospital in critical condition.

Four other people were also injured in the crash, said Hato Hone St John.

Two were transported to Tauranga Hospital in moderate condition and three were assessed at the scene and reported to have minor injuries.

A witness who wished to remain anonymous was driving to work when the crash happened.

“I’m a bit shaken. It was a horrible scene to see.“

They said there were three cars involved including a truck.

“It looked like some pretty squashed cars, a truck and two cars.“

The witness told NZME that police said the road would be closed for five to six hours.

“The emergency services were there very quickly.

“People had stopped to see, and someone must have called for help very quickly, which is good.”

Police said the Serious Crash Unit has been advised.

Motorists were advised to avoid the area where possible and expect delays while the highway was closed.

Both police and NZTA reported the road to be open around 4.30pm.