One person has died in a serious crash on State Highway 1 in south Canterbury with police warning the road will be closed for some time.
Police said they were alerted to a two-vehicle crash on Waimate Highway, near Makikihi, shortly after 6am.
One person had died.
St John said an ambulance and helicopter were deployed.
SH1 was closed between Hook Swamp and Hook Station roads and was expected to be closed for several hours.
"Diversions are in place. Motorists should continue to avoid the area, if possible," police said.