One person has died in a serious two-vehicle crash that has closed State Highway 1, north of Waimate this morning.
A police spokesperson said officers were called to the scene on the Waimate Highway (State Highway 1) near Makikihi, Waimate shortly after 6am.
“The road is expected to be closed for some time,” a spokesperson said.
A Fire and Emergency spokesperson told 1News that crews from Waimate, Saint Andrews, Glenavy and Timaru responded to the crash.
“We are there in dual capacity, both to clear the scene and provide first aid and also due to a fire that started as a result of the crash.
“There were initial concerns the fire was spreading to some grass areas but the fire is now localised to the crash,” they said.
St John sent one ambulance, one operations manager, and one helicopter to the scene, a spokesperson confirmed.
“The ambulance and operations manager are on the scene and the helicopter is en route.
“We are assessing one patient in a serious condition.”
New Zealand Transport Agency said State Highway 1 is closed between Hook Swamp Rd and Hook Station Rd.
Drivers were asked to follow emergency services directions and allow additional time for travel through the area.
“Police investigations will be undertaken at this crash scene and the road will in all likelihood remain closed for several hours,” the agency said.
