One person is in serious condition after a two car crash on State Highway 26, between Paeroa and Thames.

Emergency services were called to the crash, near Komata Reefs Road, about 10.45am, to find the crash blocking the highway.

Emergency services are at the scene of a two car crash on SH26. File photo.

Police say three people have been injured and one person is in serious condition.

'Police Serious Crash [SCU] will be attending the scene,” says a statement from police.

Senior Sergeant Pete van de Wetering says two people in one car have suffered moderate injuries, while the third person in the other car has suffered serious injuries and was, for a while, trapped in the damaged car.

'Two helicopters, one being The Westpac Rescue helicopter, are transporting the two most seriously injured people to Waikato hospital.

'Several Police units, Fire and Ambulance staff are at the scene.”

SH26 near Komata is closed. Cordons are in place at the corner of Hubbard Road and SH26 south of the crash diverting traffic towards SH2, north of the crash the diversion is as far as SH26 and the Kopu Hikuai road.

'We have been pleased generally with the road safe behaviour of motorists so far over Easter weekend, albeit that there were still too many motorists caught exceeding the speed limit.

'A no tolerance 4kph above the posted speed limit will be adhered to continuing over the coming Anzac weekend. We urge motorists to practice basic road safety; drive to your ability within the speed limit, slow down if the roads are wet, keep your following distances safe, don't take any risks with overtaking, if you are a slower driver allow people to pass and stop to rest if you are tired.

' Pete says following these basic rules might add 20 minutes to your journey but it enables you and other road users to get to your destination safety.

'It is unfortunate that this crash is the most severe affecting our district for the extended holiday period. We are working quickly to protect the injured people following which we will determine why this crash occurred.”

There are no short diversions and motorists are advised to use SH2 or SH25.

The road is expected to be closed for at least three hours.