A serious Hawkes Bay crash that claimed the life of one and left two injured has shocked locals.
Two cars are understood to have been involved in the "serious'' collision on State Highway 2 at about 10am this morning, said police central communications Sergeant Andy Dow.
The crash occurred about halfway between Nuhaka and Morere along the State Highway, he said.
One person died at the scene, and two others were injured, said a ambulance central communications spokeswoman.
A patient in a critical condition and a second in a serious condition have reportedly been flown to hospital.
The road has been cordoned off while police investigate the scene.
A Nuhaka Store owner, who wishes to remain anonymous, said he understood the crash was a head-on collision.
Two locals were involved in the crash, but he hoped they were both in the same vehicle and had survived, he said.
"I've heard that two cars have had a head-on. I know one driver that is ok.''
Fellow Nuhaka residents had passed on information after they arrived at the scene before it was cordoned off.
"They got close to the scene before it was shut down, and they were pretty shocked.''
Police advise the best alternative route is to turn from Wairoa onto SH38 to Frasertown, then onto Tiniroto Rd to Te Reinga and Tiniroto.
Travellers heading south from Gisborne have been recommended to turn off SH2 onto Wharerata Rd, then Tiniroto Rd to Tiniroto, followed by Te Reinga.
