A serious crash on Te Puke Highway has left one dead and another fighting for their life in hospital.

The crash happened near the highway’s intersection with Rangiuru Rd in the Bay of Plenty.

Police said the crash was reported at 10.50am on Saturday.

“One person was pronounced deceased at the scene and another person was transported to hospital in a critical condition,” a police spokesperson said.

The road had been closed and diversions were in place, with motorists urged to avoid the area and expect delays.

Hato Hone St John said it was alerted to the incident at 10.53am and responded with an ambulance, rapid response unit, operations manager and rescue helicopter.

A St John spokesperson earlier said one patient was treated at the scene before being taken by road ambulance to Tauranga Hospital in a serious condition.

A nearby resident said: “I heard it happen but didn’t realise what it was. My dogs went bananas.”

After walking to the scene, the resident said the aftermath “looked bad” and they did not want to get too close in case they saw something distressing.

“The car was suspended in a tree but thankfully it didn’t end up in the river,” the resident said.

When the Herald called about 12.05pm the helicopter could be heard leaving the scene.

Police said the Serious Crash Unit was investigating.

The circumstances of the crash and the number of people involved are unclear.