The sole survivor of a double fatal collision in the Bay of Plenty remains in Tauranga Hospital in serious condition.

Tom Kupa 39, was the driver of the ute that collided with a Honda sedan on State Highway 2 between Waimana and Opotiki in the Eastern Bay of Plenty.

Two people are dead and one person is in serious condition in Tauranga Hospital after a two car crash in the Eastern Bay of Plenty. Photo: Supplied.

Killed at the scene were Turuki Kereopa 17, and his uncle Katiana Kereopa 37. They are cousins of Tom Kupa.

Emergency services were called to the accident at the intersection of SH2 and Bell Road around 6.30am.

Trustpower TECT Rescue Helicopter pilot Liam Brettkelly says the driver of the ute was trapped in his vehicle for around half an hour.

"He received multiple injuries. He was stabilised at the scene by St John Paramedics before being flown to Tauranga Hospital."

The cause of the accident is unknown at this stage and the Bay of Plenty Serious Crash Unit is investigating the incident.

A section of SH2, between Waimana and Opotiki in the Eastern Bay of Plenty, was closed as emergency services dealt with a double fatal car crash.