A main route into Whakatāne was blocked on Friday afternoon after a car crash between The Hub roundabout and the bridge.

Whakatāne Volunteer Fire Brigade was called to the scene at 1.45pm.

It is believed that two vehicles were involved, and the road was closed until about 3.30pm.

Social media posts encouraged road users, including parents wanting to pick up their children from school, to avoid the area and take alternate routes into town.

Whakatāne police are investigating the cause of the crash.

Photo Troy Baker E5326-01