Two people have died and several others injured after multiple vehicles collided on a highway in Canterbury.
Emergency services were called to the two-vehicle crash shortly after 10am on Main North Road (SH1) near Sefton.
"Two people in one vehicle died at the scene, while a third person in that vehicle was moderately injured," a police spokesperson said.
"Two people in the second vehicle received moderate to serious injuries."
Hato Hone St John said the remaining three patients, all in moderate conditions, were taken to Christchurch Hospital by ambulance.
Footage from the scene shows a silver ute flipped upside down with debris scattered across the road.
The other car involved in the crash was off the road amongst long grass in a nearby paddock.
St John sent three ambulances, two helicopters, one rapid response unit, and one manager to the scene. Meanwhile, police dispatched a helicopter to the crash and the Serious Crash Unit has been advised.
Waka Kotahi said the road has been closed between Wyllies Rd and Broad Rd, and motorists are advised to avoid the area.
Diversions have been put in place at Wyllies Road and Amesbury Road.
