Rakaia Bridge closed following fatal two-vehicle crash

One person has died following a collision involving a car and a truck in Canterbury.

State Highway 1 is currently closed in both directions as emergency workers respond to the crash on the Rakaia Bridge.

The incident took place at 2.42pm.

The person who has died was the sole occupant of the car and the next of kin have been advised.

The driver of the truck was uninjured.

A St John spokesman earlier said two ambulances, a first-response vehicle and a rescue helicopter attended the crash.

One person was transported to Christchurch Hospital with minor injuries.

Local diversions are in place and the highway is closed in both directions due to the truck having jack knifed. A crane is currently removing it.

The closure is expected to remain in place for the rest of the evening and possibly into the early hours of the morning.

Motorists travelling between Christchurch and Ashburton are recommended to use State Highways 77 and 73 via Methven and Darfield.

This route is about 60km longer than State Highway 1 route, and will likely add 40 minutes to the usual travel time between Ashburton and Christchurch.

This detour is appropriate for HPMV and 50MAX vehicles, however 30kmh speed restrictions are in place for three bridges on the north side of the Rakaia River.

They are the Rakaia Gorge Bridge, Hawkins River Bridge and Waianiwaniwa Bridge.

A sign posted detour is also in place for southbound vehicles from Dunsandel.

Another crash took place a short distance up the road, on Sharlands Rd, at
3.50pm and has resulted in further diversions and delays.

One person received serious injuries and was flown to Christchurch Hospital via
helicopter.

One lane of the road is closed and traffic is very slow.

Police would like to remind motorists to drive safely and continue to be patient.