One person confirmed dead as crashes in Tauranga cause havoc

Tauranga road policing staff are currently attending several reported crashes in the area from about 4:00pm today.

There has been a serious crash on SH29A where one person has died and several people have suffered serious injuries.

Currently details of injuries to all those involved are unclear however, the crash on SH29A appears to have involved five vehicles and occurred after a car broke down.

The crash has happened on SH29A, Mangutapu, between Baypark and Welcome bay.

The west bound lanes have been closed and diversions are in place and will be closed for the next two hours.

Motorists are urged to avoid the area while serious crash unit investigate.

Another crash at the same time was reported on Pyes Pa Road and involved two vehicles colliding bringing power lines down. Police are attending and there are no reports of injuries or road blocks.

Two more minor crashes were reported shortly after, one in The Strand involving two vehicles and another on SH2 Bethlehem where a car has hit a tree and the driver suffered minor cuts to their hand. This vehicle is currently being towed and the scene examined.

Police are urging motorists in the region to take care given the high number of crashes this afternoon and more information will be released when it becomes available in relation to the SH29A crash.

ENDS

© Scoop Media