Two people have died following a crash on the Hawke's Bay Expressway this afternoon.
The road was expected to be closed for some time while the Serious Crash Unit examined the scene. Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly
Police said the road was expected to be closed for some time while the Serious Crash Unit examined the scene.
Emergency services had attended the scene after two cars collided on the expressway between the Kennedy Road on-ramp and Taradale Road at about 1.35pm.
Motorists are being advised to avoid the area.
Christchurch
Meanwhile, five people have been taken to Christchurch hospital after a car crashed off a cliff on Canterbury's Banks Peninsula.
Emergency services were first called to the Port Levy - Pigeon Bay road in Pigeon Bay shortly after midday.
St John says two people with serious injuries have been airlifted to hospital while another three in a moderate condition are being taken via ambulance.
Fire and Emergency said the steep cliff was about 100m in size with the winding, gravel road above it.
Motorists were being urged to avoid the area and delay travelling as the road was closed.
The Serious Crash Unit is examining the scene.
Nelson
Drivers on State Highway 6 north of Nelson can also expect delays following a slip.
It was first reported about 10am this morning between Hira and Whangamoa.
The Transport Agency said the road was down to one lane, under Stop/Go traffic control and a temporary 30km/h speed limit.
The agency says the road may close if the conditions were deemed unsafe.
Further south, State Highway 6 near Murchison is expected to reopen to a single lane by 5pm.
The main route between Nelson and Christchurch has been closed since a man died when a boulder struck his car yesterday afternoon.
A caution warning is also in place on the highway, SH6 between Kawatiri and Korere, following a series of large landslips.
Waikato
Three people are reported to have be seriously injured in a crash on State Highway 2 at Mangatawhiri in north Waikato.
Emergency services were called to the intersection of the state highway and Pinnacle Hill Rd shortly after 3pm.
The road is closed and motorists are being asked to avoid the area.
