State Highway 1 at Atiamuri is likely to remain closed for a number of hours today following this morning's crash.
Emergency services were called around 2:30am to the collision between a car and a heavy truck near the Bull Ring Cafe.
Both vehicles caught fire.
At this point, at least one person has been confirmed deceased, however emergency services are still working to separate the crashed vehicles.
Emergency services will be working at the complex scene for some time.
Northbound traffic is being diverted west onto SH 30 at Atiamuri to Whakamaru, then north on SH 32 back to Tokoroa. Signage is at Tokoroa for southbound traffic using the same route.
Southbound traffic on SH 30 from Rotorua is being diverted north to Tokoroa then west and south on SH 32 and SH 30, back to Atiamuri.
ENDS
Issued by the Police Media Centre