NZTA are warning motorists that State Highway 2 near Matata will be staying closed until 9pm.

The road is closed due to an earlier crash which happened at 1.50pm after a car and truck collided.

A total of three people have died at the scene.

'SH2 is closed between Pikowai and Matata with inner cordons set at Miniha Road and Herepuru Road,” says the NZTA.

'Due to recovery of vehicles, this section of SH2 is likely to remain closed until approximately 9pm.

'Please delay your journey or use an alternative route.”

Alternative Route: Northbound from Edgecumbe: Turn left onto SH34, turn right onto SH30, turn right onto SH33, continue onto SH2. Southbound in reverse from Paengaroa.