6pm Update:

State Highway 2/Waiotahi Beach Road has re-opened following a fatal crash earlier today.

Two people have died following a serious around 10.10am.

Police thank motorists for their patience while the road was closed.

An investigation into the circumstances of the crash is under way

11.36am Update

Two people have died following a serious crash on SH2 / Waiotahi Beach Road in Eastern Bay of Plenty.

Police received a report of the two-vehicle crash around 10.10am.

Four other people are reported to have been injured.

The Serious Crash Unit are attending and the road is expected to be closed for a number of hours.

Diversions are in place at SH2 and Woodlands Road to the east, and SH2 and Waiotahi Valley Road to the west.

Eastbound traffic are advised to turn right onto Waiotahi Valley Back Rd, left onto Verrall Rd, left onto Paerata Ridge Rd, right onto Old Creamery Rd, continue onto Crooked Rd to Hukutaia Rd, left onto Woodlands Rd, right onto SH2.

Westbound traffic in reverse but please note the heavy vehicles will be unable to take the diversion and will need to wait for the road to re-open.

Earlier, 10.45am:

A number of people have been seriously injured in a two-vehicle crash near Waiotahi Beach on Sunday morning. The crash has also resulted in State Highway 2 being closed.

Emergency services are responding to a serious crash on SH2 / Waiotahi Beach Rd.

Police received a report of the two-vehicle crash around 10.10am.

Initial reports suggest a number of people have been seriously injured.

NZTA have advised that SH2 is now closed between Parkinsons Rd and Paerata Ridge Rd. Diversions are now in place.

Eastbound traffic are advised to turn right onto Waiotahi Valley Back Rd, left onto Verrall Rd, left onto Paerata Ridge Rd, right onto Old Creamery Rd, continue onto Crooked Rd to Hukutaia Rd, left onto Woodlands Rd, right onto SH2.

Westbound traffic in reverse but please note the detour route is not suitable for trucks and HPMVs.

Motorists are advised to delay their journeys or use an alternative route.

At the scene? Phone 0800 SUNLIVE or email newsroom@thesun.co.nz