Five people lucky to see in 2017, say police

All five occupants were wearing seat belts. Photo / File

Five people were lucky to escape from a serious crash in the Lewis Pass without life threatening injuries, due to wearing seatbelts.

The car they were in rolled on State Highway 7, near the St James walkway, about 5pm today and ended up on landing its side against a steep bank.

All five occupants were wearing seat belts.

Three people sustained moderate non life threatening injuries in the crash and were taken to Christchurch Hospital. The other two passengers had minor injuries.

Canterbury Road Policing manager Inspector Al Stewart said the outcome of the crash emphasised the importance of wearing seat belts.

"Even though the car rolled the wearing of seatbelts prevented any occupants from being thrown from the car and being seriously or fatally injured."

Police were making inquiries into the cause of the crash.