Two-vehicle crash near Kirwee, Canterbury: Emergency services rush to scene, at least one person with critical injuries

Emergency services are rushing to a serious two-vehicle crash in rural Canterbury this afternoon.

The crash on Wards Rd near Kirwee, between Aylesbury and Highfield roads, 40km west of Christchurch, was reported around 1.20pm.

At least one person has received critical injuries and will be airlifted to hospital, police said.

A spokeswoman for Fire and Emergency New Zealand (Fenz) said they were responding to a crash involving two vehicles.

There could be people trapped in the vehicles, the spokeswoman said.

The crash happened on Wards Road near Kirwee this afternoon. Photo / George Heard

Crews from lower Burnham and West Melton were in attendance.

Hato Hone St John said it was notified of an incident on Wards Rd in Kirwee at 1.22pm.

Emergency services at the scene. Photo / George Heard

“We responded with one ambulance, one helicopter, one rapid response unit, one first response unit and an operations manager,” a spokeswoman said.

One patient has been transported via Westpac rescue helicopter to Christchurch Hospital in a critical condition, she said.

The police serious crash unit has arrived at the scene. Photo / George Heard

St John referred media to police for any further comment.

Roads in the area are blocked.

A serious two-vehicle crash near Kirwee in rural Canterbury has emergency services at the scene. Photo / George Heard

The police serious crash unit has been notified.

More soon.