Person in critical condition following crash on SH1 near Rangitātā

A person is in critical condition following a three vehicle crash on State Highway 1 in South Canterbury.

Emergency services freed a person who was trapped in a vehicle following the collision between a truck and two cars.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesperson Blair Walklin said fire crews from Rangitātā, Geraldine and Temuka responded to the crash near Rangitātā at 3.37pm on Tuesday.

Walklin said it was a serious collision and crews had helped extricate a person who was trapped in one of the vehicles.

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“The road [SH1] is closed at this stage and the public are advised to avoid the area,” Walklin said.

A Hato Hone St John spokesperson said they responded to the crash with two ambulances, a first response unit, a helicopter and two managers.

A critically injured person was flown to Christchurch Hospital, they said.

Two other patients with minor injuries were taken to Ashburton Hospital, and a third person with minor injuries was treated at the scene, they said.

A police spokesperson said the serious crash unit was advised and motorists were asked to avoid the area.

Waka Kotahi’s website showed State Highway 1 was closed between Edgar and Farm roads, but repoened just before 9pm.