By rnz.co.nz and is republished with permission

Emergency services are responding to a serious crash near Te Awamutu.

The two vehicle crash occurred on State Highway 3 / Ohaupo Rd just before 4.45pm.

Police said in a statement that multiple people have been injured.

Media including Stuff and Newshub are reporting several people have been killed.

St John said three ambulances, two rapid response vehicles and two operations managers have attended, but did not say how many patients were being treated.

Fire and Emergency said three trucks from Te Awamutu and Chartwell also responded, and one remains at the scene.

Ohaupo Road is closed between Jary Road and Ngaroto Road and motorists are asked to avoid the area.

Detours are in place.

The serious crash unit is attending the scene.