At least two people are confirmed dead and police have fears the toll may rise after a fiery two-vehicle crash this morning.

Emergency services are responding to the collision on SH3 in Eltham, Taranaki which has left the stretch of highway closed.

Police said several people have died following a crash at 5.50am at the intersection of Mountain and Boylan Rds.

A spokesperson said one of the vehicles involved caught fire and police were working to establish the number of occupants.

Two people are confirmed to be deceased.

The spokesperson said inquiries to determine how many people were inside the vehicles might take some time.

South Taranaki Mayor Phil Nixon said his thoughts are “absolutely with the families” of those affected by today’s tragedy.

He said the community was “incredibly close-knit” and the crash will be felt throughout the whole area.

“My thoughts also go out to the emergency services who had to be on that horrific scene today,” Nixon said.

Today was meant to be an exciting today for the community, Nixon said, with most schools returning.

The road is also a major arterial route and this disruption will affect the community throughout the day.

Diversions were now in place at SH3 and Dalziell Rd for northbound traffic and SH3 and Rotokare Rd for southbound traffic.

“The road is expected to remain closed for some time while a scene examination is conducted.

“An investigation into the cause of the crash is underway.”

A Fire and Emergency spokeswoman said one of the cars was engulfed in flames when emergency services arrived on the scene.

She described the fire as “well-involved” but said crews were able to extinguish it quickly.

An Eltham resident who worked at a local rest home said since locals know the area, most people were able to get to work on time this morning through the back roads.

She said this tragedy will be felt throughout their community and this is one of the “worst things to happen in a long time”.

Traffic management is in place at the scene and motorists are advised to avoid the area and use an alternative route.