Two dead after crash closes State Highway 1 near Rakaia Bridge in Canterbury

Main South Rd reopened at 6.55pm after being closed for about five hours as police investigated the cause of the crash.

“With police investigations at the site complete, and vehicles involved in the crash having been towed, the section of SH1/Main South Rd between North Rakaia Rd and Railway Terrace East is now open and clear,” NZTA said.

“People are asked to travel with care on this route as any remaining congestion eases.”

Heavy congestion built up heading south on State Highway 77 after a fatal crash that rerouted motorists from SH1. Photo / NZTA

Earlier, a detour involving an extra 100km of travel was put in place.

Motorists were advised to avoid the area as congestion was building up on SH77, with traffic cameras capturing queues heading southwards on to the Rakaia River Bridge.

Earlier, Hato Hone St John said three people had been injured, with one in critical condition.

“Our ambulance staff treated three patients and transported two of them to Christchurch Public Hospital by helicopter, one in a critical condition and one in a serious condition,” St John said.

“The third patient was transported by road ambulance to Christchurch Public Hospital in a moderate condition.”