Update, 7.30pm: State Highway 2 near Pukehina remains closed following a serious crash.

Police advise that a scene examination is still ongoing.

"It may be a while before the road reopens," says a police spokesperson. 

"Due to a crash, east of Tauranga State Highway 2 is closed east of Rogers Rd, in Pukehina," says an NZTA Waka Kotahi spokesperson.

"Delay your journey or allow extra time for a detour."

An alternative route is in place.

For eastbound traffic -  divert via Pukehina Station Rd and Old Coach Rd and rejoin State Highway 2.

Westbound traffic is n reverse.

Heavy Vehicles and HPMV are advised to use SH33 and SH30.

Earlier, 2pm:

State Highway 2 near Pukehina is closed following a serious crash.

A police spokesperson says they were called to the crash on State Highway 2 around 1.55pm.

"Emergency services are responding to a serious crash on State Highway 2, Pukehina, near Rogers Road.

"The Serious Crash Unit are in attendance.

"The road is blocked, and diversions are in place.

"Motorists are advised to avoid the area if possible and expect delays."

The highway is closed and motorists are being diverted from the scene. Supplied photo.

A witness at the scene says a car and truck appeared to be involved.

He says the car is "crushed" and there is a trail of debris on the road.

The overturned truck was on the railway side.

The witness, who did not be named, says he was travelling from Whakatāne to Tauranga when he came across the scene, he believes just minutes after the incident happened.

He says he saw a person was being helped from the cab of the truck and first responders were arriving at the scene.

A witness at the scene says a helicopter has arrived at the scene and police are working on diversions now,.

"The diversion is onto Old Coach Road, to Otamarakau Road, and then back SH2 to the Matata Straights.

"It's a quick diversion but we are at the start of the line, so it might get worse soon."

A traffic alert from NZTA says there is a crash on SH2 close to Matata.

"Due to a crash east of Rodgers Road, lanes are blocked," says the alert.

"Expect delays and pass the scene with care."

People are being advised to follow the directions of emergency services at the scene.

Diversions are as follows: Eastbound traffic to divert via Pukehina Station Rd and Old Coach Rd and rejoin State Highway 2 Westbound traffic in reverse. Heavy Vehicles, HPMV - Use SH33 and SH30.

SunLive is working on getting more information and will provide an update when we can.

At the scene?

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