One person has been killed following a serious crash on the Desert Rd (State Highway 1) north of Waiouru.
The accident involving a car and a truck happened around 3:27pm between Waipakihi Rd and Rangipo Intake Rd.
A spokesperson for Fire and Emergency New Zealand told Newshub three people were trapped in a vehicle following the accident.
Initial reports from the scene suggested one person has sustained serious injuries in the crash and another is in a critical condition.
Police later confirmed one person died from injuries sustained in the crash.
A helicopter was used to transport the injured to hospital and the road remains closed.
Motorists have been advised to take a detour via alternative routes SH46 and SH49.
NZTA says travellers in the area can expect significant delays of up to 90 minutes due to the road closure.
"The road is expected to be closed for some time so people should avoid the area if they can or check before they travel," a spokesperson said.
Newshub.
