Two people have died following a serious crash involving two trucks on State Highway 10 at Kaingaroa in the Far North.
The collision occurred about 12.40pm at the intersection with Pukewhai Rd, roughly midway between Awanui and Taipā.
One person was found dead at the scene while another was transported to hospital in critical condition but has since also died.
State Highway 10 could remain closed at Kaingaroa until 8pm tonight with lengthy diversions in place after the crash.
Police and roading contractors have set up a number of road blocks with, according to a police spokesman, eastbound traffic diverted via Duncan and Parapara Rds.
Westbound traffic had to take a much longer detour via Oruru and Fairburn Rds, emerging on State Highway 1 south of Kaitaia.
The poor condition of roads in the area had made separate diversions necessary for each direction.
“Motorists are advised to avoid the area if possible and to expect lengthy delays.”
SH10 could stay closed until 8pm but it was hoped it could reopen sooner, he said.
A secondary road block was set up earlier at Kaingaroa School, just west of the crash, so children could be picked up from school.
Police, Kaitaia and Mangōnui fire brigades, and St John Ambulance were at the crash scene.
A landing zone was set up for the Northland Rescue Helicopter but was not thought to have been used.
The police Serious Crash Unit and the Commercial Vehicle Investigation Unit are also believed to be at the scene.
One of the vehicles involved is believed to be a refrigerated truck.