State Highway 5 between Napier and Taupō will be closed for “most of today” after a serious crash this morning.
The crash, which occurred at about 8.50am, involved a car and a truck, police said.
One person is in critical condition, and the other person has serious injuries.
New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi said there are no available local road detours.
“Drivers should avoid the area or delay their travel.”
St John said it responded with two ambulances and a helicopter.
“The critical condition patient is being transported to Hawke’s Bay Hospital (by ambulance),” St John said.