At approximately 2:55pm, there was a fatal collision between two cars travelling in opposite directions on SH5. Police have now confirmed that a woman from a vehicle died at the scene.
Police have confirmed that a woman from a vehicle died at the scene, and a baby from that vehicle has been taken to Rotorua Hospital.
One lane has just opened. Emergency services were at the scene of the serious road crash.
The closure affects all traffic between Rotorua and Taupō on SH5 and all traffic between Rotorua and Tokoroa on SH30, and there is already considerable congestion.
It was advised that any motorists intending to use these routes delay their trips, or use the longer alternative route from Rotorua across the the Mamaku Range to pick up SH1, and the reverse if travelling to Rotorua from Taupō or Tokoroa.
Traffic currently on SH5 heading into Rotorua is being diverted off at Waikiti Valley.