3.17pm update: State Highway 29 is now open following a serious crash between McLaren Falls Rd and Poripori Rd.

"Traffic is very heavy is this area," said an NZTA Waka Kotahi spokesperson.

"Expect delays and take extra care."

One person has been flown to hospital in a critical condition.

Earlier: One person is in critical condition following a crash on State Highway 29.

Emergency services are at the scene of the crash which involved three vehicles - a car, ute and small truck.

Police said the crash occurred about 10.30am, between Poripori Road and Thorn Road. The road is currently closed.

In a statement to SunLive, as police spokesperson said that one person has been flown to hospital in critical condition.

"The injured person was travelling in a vehicle with two other occupants, both of whom are being taken to hospital by ambulance with moderate injuries," said police.

"The sole occupants of the two other vehicles are uninjured."

Hato Hone St John was notified of a motor vehicle crash on State Highway 29. 

One rapid response unit, two ambulances, one operations manager, and one helicopter responded.

Two patients are being transported to Tauranga Hospital by ambulance, one in a serious condition and one in a moderate condition, a Hato Hone St John spokesperson confirmed.

"One further patient, in a critical condition, is being airlifted to Auckland City Hospital," the spokesperson said.

There are now diversion in place, at McLaren Falls Road and Omanawa Road.

People are also advised to use SH36 & 5 via Rotorua - or SH2, 26 and 27 via K-Gorge and Matamata.

“The crash has closed the highway and there is heavy traffic as a result,” police said.

“Motorists, especially those leaving Tauranga, are advised to expect delays while the scene is cleared, which may take some time.”

Two fire trucks are in attendance and assisting emergency services, a Fire and Emergency New Zealand Spokesperson said,

"No persons were trapped," the spokesperson said.

The road is likely to be closed for sometime, according to NZTA Waka Kotahi, as the Police will conduct a crash investigation.

Earlier, 10.42am: Emergency services are responding to the scene of a vehicle crash on State Highway 29, in the lower Kaimai Range.

NZTA Waka Kotahi said a crash has been reported to emergency services on SH29 between McLaren Falls Rd and Poripori Rd.

It is unknown at this stage if there are any injuries. 

"Follow directions of response crews. Consider delaying your journey or expect delays," said an NZTA spokesperson.

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