UPDATED: One person has died following a two car head-on crash on State Highway 36 (Hamurana Road) this afternoon.

At least six people have been injured, with two reported to have sustained serious injuries.

Two people have been seriously injured in a car crash on SH36, near Ngongotaha.

Police say one person was being taken to hospital in critical condition but died on the way.

Bay of Plenty road policing manager Inspector Kevin Taylor says investigations are continuing as to how the accident happened and the road will be closed for at least another hour.

'We are hoping to have it back open for Tauranga traffic by about 4.30pm before the major commute. We will let people know as soon as it is open.

'It was a head-crash, but I have no details as to how it happened.”

Diversions are currently in place along Dalbeth Road and Oturua Road.

Earlier:

Emergency services are responding to a serious crash on State Highway 36 (Hamurana Road).

Fire, Police and St John Paramedics have been called to the scene, near Leonard Road, where there are reports of two trucks and a van involved, says Northern Fire Communications shift manager Steve Smith. People are believed to be seriously injured in a car crash on SH36, near Ngongotaha.

'It looks pretty bad. Our truck has just arrived at the scene and we are hoping to get more information soon.”

Motorists travelling sourth on SH36 are being diverted down Oturua Road onto SH5.

Northbound traffic is being diverted onto Dalbeth Road and onto SH5 from there.

People are being advised to expected delays.