One dead, 13 people rushed to hospitals after tourist bus crash closes State Highway 1 near Tīrau
· RNZA person is dead and 13 injured after a serious crash involving a tourist bus and a car north of Tīrau on State Highway 1.
Hato Hone St John says it sent 13 vehicles to respond to the accident and transported 13 patients, two in critical condition and four in serious condition, to Waikato, Rotorua, Tauranga and Auckland hospitals by road and air.
The highway is closed for over 10 kilometres, between Tīrau and Piarere roundabout.
In a statement earlier, police said the two-vehicle crash happened near Paparamu Road in Piarere after 2pm on Wednesday.
"Initial indications are that there are serious injuries.
"Motorists are advised to avoid the area and expect delays."
The Serious Crash Unit has been notified.
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.