Five people have died in a head-on crash on State Highway 3 between Te Awamutu and Hamilton.
Emergency services were called to the crash in Ōhaupō at 4.44pm.
Waikato road policing manager Inspector Jeff Penno confirmed details of the "tragic incident" this evening.
"Police can confirm the three occupants of one vehicle, and two occupants of the other vehicle all died at the scene," he said.
"To lose five lives in these circumstances is heartbreaking, and our thoughts go out to all the families affected," Penno said.
The serious crash unit is at the scene and the road is expected to be shut for a significant period of time.
"There is a large scene we need to work through and our priority at the moment is understanding what has occurred to cause this tragedy," Penno said.
"We are also making sure that support is provided to those who need it."
Police confirmed the three occupants of one vehicle, and two occupants of the other vehicle all died at the scene. (Source: 1News)
Earlier, St John Ambulance said it sent three ambulances, two rapid response vehicles, and two operations managers to the scene.
Fire and Emergency NZ said it sent three fire trucks to the scene just north of Thompson Rd.
The New Zealand Transport Agency said SH3 remains closed between Jary and Ngaroto roads.
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