UPDATED 11.25PM: Kiwi actor James Rolleston was seriously injured in a crash on State Highway 35 near Opotiki overnight, confirms a Bay of Plenty District Health Board spokesperson.

Police say when officers arrived at the scene of the crash the 19-year-old actor was trapped in a vehicle which had struck the Otara bridge on the eastern side of Opotiki shortly before 10.30pm.

A Bay of Plenty District Health Board spokesperson has confirmed Kiwi actor James Rolleston was the 19-year-old who was seriously injured in a crash on State Highway 35 near Opotiki on Tuesday night. Photo: Fairfax NZ

After being freed from the vehicle, James was stabilised at the scene by BayTrust Rescue Helicopter's specialist on-board paramedic before being airlifted to Tauranga hospital for further care.

Another person who was an occupant in the vehicle at the time of the crash also suffered minor injuries.

James was catapulted to fame playing Alamein in the 2010 film Boy, as well as starring along side Cliff Curtis in the critically acclaimed movie The Dark Horse in 2014 and action movie The Dead Lands.

The actor is also well known for his involvement with Tauranga charity Homes of Hope.

Police's serious Crash Unit is currently investigating the crash.

EARLIER:

Police's Serious Crash Unit is investigating an incident which left a man trapped in their vehicle on State Highway 35 near Opotiki overnight.

The 19-year-old trapped man suffered serious injuries while another occupant suffered minor injuries after their vehicle struck the Otara bridge on the eastern side of Opotiki shortly before 10.30pm.

A 19-year-old man who suffered serious injuries was airlifted to Tauranga Hospital following a crash on State Highway 35 near Opotiki overnight. File Photo

After being freed from the vehicle, the seriously injured man was stabilised at the scene by BayTrust Rescue Helicopter's specialist on-board paramedic before being airlifted to Tauranga hospital for further care.

As a result of the crash police closed SH35 to traffic on either side of the bridge for several hours.