Update, 6.12pm:  Police can now confirm two people have died following a two-vehicle collision on State Highway 26, Te Aroha.

"Two other people have been taken to hospital with serious injuries," says a police spokesperson.

The road at Mangaiti continues to be closed, motorists are asked to avoid the area.

Earlier, 4.30pm:  Emergency services are responding to a two-vehicle collision on State Highway 26, Te Aroha.

"The crash was reported at 3.53pm," says a police spokesperson.

"Initial indications suggest there are serious injuries."

Motorists are asked to avoid the area as traffic is being diverted via Rawhiti Road.

"Due to a serious crash at Mangaiti, a section of the road is closed," says a Waka Kotahi NZTA spokesperson. 

"Delay your travel to allow extra time for diversions. Follow directions of emergency services on scene."

At the scene?

Phone 0800SUNLIVE or email [email protected]