Emergency services are responding to a crash in which multiple people have been seriously injured.
Two vehicles crashed on the Napier-Taupō Road, State Highway 5 near Rangitaiki School Road, Taupō District, about 10.30am.
"Our crews have assessed and treated twelve patients, with their conditions ranging from minor to serious," Hato Hone St John said.
Nine patients have been airlifted to Waikato hospital; four in a serious condition, three in a moderate condition, and two in a minor condition."
Originally 13 people were reported injured but Hato Hone St John has updated that figure.
Four ambulances, one rapid response unit, and four helicopters were sent to the scene.
The vehicles involved were a van and an SUV, police said.
"At this time, two patients in serious condition have been airlifted to Waikato hospital, and one patient in a serious condition has been airlifted to Hawke's Bay hospital."
The road is blocked and motorists are advised to expect delays.
