One person has died and four have been injured after a truck collided with a car on State Highway 1.

Some are in a moderate condition while others face critical injuries, says St John. Two people have been airlifted to Waikato Hospital and another two have been driven to Taupo Hospital.

The crash happened at around 10.05am on Friday near the Rotoaira Rd intersection in Taupō. At least seven fire trucks, two ambulances and a helicopter attended the scene.

At 10.30am two people were trapped in their vehicles following the crash. One was stuck in a light truck while another was trapped in a car.

Firefighters had to free both people before they were taken to hospital.

A section of SH1 was closed while the serious crash investigation unit examined the scene.

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency reports the road is now open.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are under way.

-Gabrielle McCulloch/Stuff.