State Highway 36 over Pyes Pa is open again following a collision between a truck and a car south of the Williams Road intersection this morning.

A 77 year old Tauranga man, who had to be cut free from his car, is believed to have been seriously injured in the crash. Police have no details about the truck driver.

The truck that is blocking State Highway 36 (Pyes Pa Road).

The crash occurred at the top of the hill about 1km south of Williams Road.

Following the collision the truck and trailer unit ploughed into the bank, leaving the trailers blocking the lane on the crest.

Machinery had to be brought to the scene to take the load of chipboard off the trailers and a crane was being used to lift the truck clear.