Emergency services are at the scene of a fatal crash on State Highway One near Wairakei.

The two car crash about 20km north of Taupo happened about 1pm. There were two people in each car some of whom were trapped and had to be extracted by the Fire service. One person has died at the scene.

The condition of the three survivors is not currently available. Diversions are in place and South-bound traffic is being directed around the scene via Palmer Mill Road, while North-bound traffic is going via Link Road. The Police serious crash unit will be investigating the crash.