UPDATED 9.26PM: Two people have died and seven others have been injured in a crash on State Highway 5 near Reporoa involving a van, a car, and a milk tanker.

The crash happened around 4.30.

The two people who died and seven who were injured were all in the van.

Some of those injured have been transported to Rotorua Hospital.

A man with serious injuries was flown to Waikato Hospital in the Taupo-based Greenlea Rescue Helicopter.

Police say the road will remain closed for some time and diversions are in place at Reporoa Road and Settlers Road.