State Highway 1 crash near Christchurch leaves one person dead

One person has died after a two-vehicle crash south of Christchurch this morning.

Emergency services were called to the crash on State Highway 1 near Burnham shortly before 7.30am.

“Sadly, one person was pronounced deceased at the scene,” police said in a statement this afternoon.

“One other person sustained serious injuries and was transported to hospital.”

Fire and Emergency New Zealand said three crews worked to free two people trapped in separate vehicles.

Hato Hone St John sent two ambulances, two operations managers, a rapid response vehicle and a helicopter.

UPDATE 8:55AM
SH1 remains CLOSED between Burnham Rd and Selwyn Lake Rd.
SB traffic turn left onto Burnham Rd, right onto Bethels Rd, right onto Leeston Rd, right onto Selwyn Lake Rd then back onto SH1. Reverse for NB traffic. ^JP https://t.co/InQgqqnXe7

— NZ Transport Agency - Canterbury & West Coast (@nztacwc) April 13, 2026

State Highway 1 was closed for close to four hours.

The road has since reopened, with motorists advised to take extra care between Burnham Rd and Selwyn Lake Rd.

Police said the Serious Crash Unit has been notified.