Horror Taupō crash sees 4 killed, others seriously injured

A horror crash north of Taupō has seen four people killed and eight others injured, including a baby.

Two cars collided head-on at the intersection of State Highway 1 and Tutukau Rd, Oruanui, at around 3:15pm, a police spokesperson said.

Two of the eight people injured are in a critical condition, while the other six range from moderate to serious injuries.

A 10-month-old baby has been airlifted to Waikato Hospital. A man in his 40s and a 42-year-old woman have also been airlifted to hospital, both with multiple injured.

Four people have also died, police have confirmed.

Witnesses have told Newshub two people-mover type vans had collided head-on, while it's believed some of the injured are also children.

Horror Taupō crash sees 4 killed, others seriously injured
Photo credit: Philips Search and Rescue Trust / Supplied

Police earlier said three people were trapped with critical injuries. Four rescue helicopters were sent to the scene, as well as multiple ambulances.

Motorists have been asked to avoid the area if they can, as the crash has blocked both lanes of the road.

Significant delays are expected and alternative routes with be put in place, police said.

Police are investigating the crash and aren't yet sure what the cause was.

Newshub.