A person has been critically injured after a train and car collided on a Bay of Plenty highway.

Police said they were called to a serious crash on Te Puke Highway in Paengaroa about 9am involving a vehicle and a train.

One person is in a critical condition, police said.

The Serious Crash unit has been advised.

In response, Hato Hone St John sent one ambulance, one rapid response unit, one manager and one helicopter to the scene.

“Our crews assessed and treated one patient who was airlifted to Waikato Hospital in a critical condition,” a spokeswoman said.

Te Puke Highway briefly closed between Pah Rd and Showgrounds Rd while a helicopter arrived to assist the injured person.

While the road was expected to reopen once the helicopter leaves the scene, police said motorists should expect delays.