Update 6pm: Rugby fans travelling to the Chiefs game tonight can expect long delays travelling over the Kaimai Ranges.

Traffic is down to a crawl due to a fatal crash this afternoon on State Highway 29.

Scenes from the fatal crash on SH 29.

SH 29, is still closed near the scene of the crash and detours are in place. Despite this traffic is slow and motorist are asked to be patient. SunLive chief photographer Tracy Hardy who is travelling to the game says it's taken more than an hour to travel to McLarens Falls.

The Chiefs host last year's Super Rugby Champions Highlanders.

Update 2.19pm: Police have closed the road on the Lower Kaimai, State Highway 29 after a fatal crash between a car and truck.

Police have put diversions in place and ask motorist to avoid the area if at all possible.

The diversion is; Eastbound traffic is right onto Mclaren Falls Rd, left onto Omanawa Rd, right on to SH 29. Westbound traffic is left on to Omanawa Rd, right on to Mclaren Falls Rd, left on to SH29.

Update 2pm: Reports from our readers who are stuck at the scene says the traffic has "backed up for miles", at a fatal on the lower Kaimai Ranges, State Highway 29.

Reports from one witness who didn't want to be named says powerlines had been brought down in the crash.

A media release from Highway Information says the crash happen about 2.4km north of McLaren Falls and 2.5km northwest of Omanawa.

Motorists are being advised to avoid the area while police put diversions in place.

Earlier 1.32pm: Emergency services are heading to a fatal at the intersection of State Highway 29 and Poripori Rd near Tauranga.

A witness has called SunLive to say the crash which happen about 1.30pm was between a car and a truck.

A police report says the crash happen about 1.30pm a car and a truck collided near the intersection with Poripori Road and SH29. The driver of the car died at the scene.

Traffic diversions are in place and the Police serious crash unit will be investigating.

More information as it comes to hand.