Emergency services were called to a serious two vehicle crash between State Highway 33 and Matahi Road around 4:20am today.
Police says two people died at the scene, and another received moderate injuries.
St John says the patient was transported to Rotorua Hospital.
The road was closed this morning while the Serious Crash Unit examined the scene.
"Diversions are in place at the intersections of State Highway 30/State Highway 33 and State Highway 30/Matahi Road," says Police.
NZTA is asking drivers to allow extra time for their journey today.
Drivers travelling eastbound should continue onto SH33, right onto SH2, right onto SH34, then right to return to SH30, and westbound in reverse, says NZTA.
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