Police are dealing with a crash which has claimed the lives of two people and injured two others near Te Kuiti.
Emergency services today confirmed two people died.
St John also confirmed two others suffered moderate injuries and were airlifted to Waikato Hospital.
Police earlier confirmed the road is closed and detours are being put in place.
The crash, between two cars, occurred about 1.30pm near Lees Block Rd.
Te Kuiti deputy fire chief Guy Whittaker said the two occupants who were not seriously injured were able to get themselves out of the vehicle.
He said the crash happened just south of the intersection with Lees Block Rd. One of the vehicles was off the road when they arrived.
Diversions are in place at the intersection with State Highway 37 [Waitomo Caves Rd] and at the intersection with Oparure Rd.