UPDATED 9.11AM: Two people have died following a crash between a train and car in the Bay of Plenty this morning.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand northern fire communications shift manager Scott Osmond has confirmed two people were killed in the crash.

"The job came in at 8.15am. There were five people in the car.

"Two have died, two are serious and one is in critical condition."

He says two helicopters have been called to the scene to transport the injured patients to hospital.

Police are advising people to avoid the scene.

The NZTA says due to a crash on Pongakawa School Rd; SH2 Te Puke East Rd is closed between Maniatutu Rd and Pongakawa Station Rd .

"A detour is in place. Please follow the detour and allow extra time for your travel."

UPDATED 8.53AM: Several people have been seriously injured in a crash between a car and train in the Bay of Plenty.

Emergency services are attending the serious crash Pongakawa.

The crash, on Pongakawa School Road, was reported to Police around 8:15am.

Initial reports indicate several people have been seriously injured, says a police spokesperson.

"The Serious Crash Unit has been advised.

"Motorists are asked to avoid the area. More information will be released when it becomes available."

Sounthbound traffic is being advised to use Wilson Road South.

EARLIER:

Reports are coming in of a serious crash near Pongakawa this morning.

A SunLive reader has messaged us on Facebook to says there has been an accident at the intersection of Pongakawa School Road and State Highway 2.

"I heard a loud bang and emergency services are all there now."

Another reader has reported that a train and car have crashed.

Motorists are being advised to avoid the scene if possible or use an alternative route.

SunLive is working on getting more information and will update this story as soon as we can.

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