One person has died and two others remain in a critical condition after a major car crash that injured a total of eight people and closed State Highway 2 in Bay of Plenty yesterday.

The death takes the holiday road toll to 17 so far.

Twenty firefighters attended the scene in Athenree Gorge, near Waihi, with reports people were trapped in two vehicles.

Police confirmed one person had died following the crash at Athenree Gorge near Waihi Beach at 3.45pm on Monday.

Firefighters work on one of the crashed vehicles. Photo / Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopters

A further two people are reported to be in a critical condition and five are reported to have moderate injuries following the two-vehicle collision.

“Our thoughts and condolences are with everyone involved at this difficult time,“ police said. “Inquiries into the incident are ongoing.”

SH2 had reopened, police said in a statement just before 11pm on Monday.

One person has died and seven have been injured in the crash near Waihi. Photo / Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopters

An Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopters spokesman said two of its crews were sent to Athenree alongside a Tauranga Rescue Helicopter and Waikato Rescue Helicopter.

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Westpac 3 flew a male patient in his 40s to Auckland City Hospital in a serious condition and Westpac 1 flew a female patient in her 70s to Waikato Hospital in a critical condition.

Earlier, St John said one person in critical condition had been taken to Auckland Hospital and another in critical condition was flown to Waikato Hospital.

Two people in a serious condition were flown to Waikato Hospital, and three people in a moderate condition were driven to Tauranga Hospital.

“Five crews are in attendance, and they are currently utilising rescue equipment,” a spokesperson for Fire and Emergency NZ told the Herald earlier.

Police said it could be “some hours” before the road was cleared and traffic management would be in place.

A spokesperson for police said, “initial indications are of several patients with injuries”.

The Police Serious Crash Unit has been advised.

Waka Kotahi NZTA alerted SH2 was closed at 4.55pm, with detours via Waihi Beach, Seaforth, Emerton, Steele and Athenree Rds.

Emergency services are responding to a serious crash in the Bay of Plenty which has blocked State Highway 2. Photo / Google

Police thanked motorists for their patience while the Serious Crash Unit and emergency services attended.