One person died and four others were hurt in a crash near Taupō this morning with injuries ranging from moderate to critical.
Emergency services were alerted to the incident on State Highway 1 Desert Rd at Rangipo shortly after 10am, St John said.
"The road is closed, and motorists are advised to take an alternate route," police said.
In an earlier statement, St John confirmed five people had been injured.
Police confirmed this afternoon that one person has died.
Just after 1pm, St John Ambulance said two people in a critical condition were being taken to Waikato Hospital by air, while two patients in a moderate condition were being taken to Taupō Hospital in an ambulance.
Waka Kotahi posted to X saying a detour is available.
The road may be closed for "several hours", the transport agency warned.
"Please consider detouring via SH49, onto SH4, SH47, SH46 and back onto SH1 if heading northbound and reverse if travelling southbound," a statement said.
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