Three people have died in a fiery crash which has closed State Highway 2 at Te Puna in Bay of Plenty.
The crash took place close to Tauranga. Photo: SUPPLIED
It brings to five the number of people who have died on the roads today.
The police say a car collided with a van and both burst into flames, killing three people in the van just after 7.30pm.
Five people including a small child were injured and were taken to hospital for treatment.
State Highway 2 is expected to be closed for several hours while the serious crash unit examines the scene.
Earlier, in Marton, in Manwatu, two vehicles collided head-on, killing two occupants of one of the vehicles.
Five people had to be cut out of the vehicles by the Fire Service and were taken to hospital.
The police are looking for a white van that may have been involved in the crash.