One person has died, and three others have been taken to the hospital following a serious crash that closed part of State Highway 1 at Rakaia on Friday.
Emergency services were called to the crash near the intersection of Main South Rd and North Rakaia Rd, causing major traffic delays south of Christchurch.
According to Stuff, at least one person died in the incident. The area around Main South Rd remains blocked, and authorities have warned the closure could continue for several hours.
Hato Hone St John deployed one first response unit, one operations manager, two air ambulance helicopters and two ambulances to the scene.
According to Stuff, a spokesperson said ambulance crews treated three patients before transporting them to Christchurch Public Hospital. Two patients were flown by helicopter, including one in a critical condition and another in a serious condition, while a third patient was taken by road ambulance in a moderate condition.
Traffic camera footage showed long lines of vehicles backed up onto the Rakaia River Bridge while emergency crews responded to the crash.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi urged motorists to avoid the area and expect significant delays.
“People should consider their travel in the wider Canterbury region accordingly, given a closure of several hours is possible,” Stuff has quoted.
The road closure also disrupted local school transport services. Rakaia School said its Overdale Bus service would not operate, leaving some students unable to travel home.
"We will do our best to support any children who need to remain at school during this time. Food and supervision will be provided. Please note that once the bridge is open, you will need to pick your children up from Rakaia School as the bus will not be running," Stuff has quoted.
Detours have been put in place for both northbound and southbound traffic as police continue investigations at the scene.
The Serious Crash Unit has been advised.
ISSUE
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