Fatal crash in Bay of Plenty

12.05am Police and emergency services are at the scene of a fatal crash on SH2 in the Athenree Gorge.

A 21 year old man is dead and a woman is being prepared for helicopter transport to Tauranga hospital with moderate-to-serious injuries as a result of the crash.

It appears that the car in which they were travelling left the road and struck a bank. The third passenger in the car has minor injuries and is being treated at the scene.

The highway has been closed to allow the scene to be cleared and traffic is now being diverted through Waihi Beach Township.

The diversion is likely to remain in place until 3.00 or 4.00 am.

Waikato Serious Crash Unit is heading the investigation into the cause of the crash.