At approximately 11.54am today, police and emergency services were called to a two vehicle head on crash on State Highway 2 near Mount Bruce.
There were five occupants in the vehicles, four of whom have received minor to serious injuries and are being transported to hospital by helicopter.
The fifth occupant, a driver in one of the vehicles, has sustained critical injuries and was trapped in his vehicle.
Emergency services have freed him from the vehicle and commenced CPR. Tragically, the male has died shortly after.
The road currently remains closed and diversions are in place along Opaki Kaiparoro Road.
Motorist should expect some delays or avoid the area as a serious crash investigation begins into the cause of the crash.
ENDS