Kirwee truck and ute crash: Emergency services rush to scene

State Highway 73 near Darfield in central Canterbury has reopened after a serious vehicle crash involving a truck and a ute.

Emergency services, including a helicopter, responded to a serious crash involving a truck and a ute west of Christchurch this morning.

Fire and Emergency NZ said it was notified just after 8am of a crash involving two vehicles on West Coast Rd, State Highway 73, near Kirwee.

Shift manager Lyn Crossan said one of the vehicles was on fire.

“Initial indicators are there are serious injuries,” a police spokeswoman said.

The vehicles were being recovered from the road which was blocked off to traffic. Photo / Jazlyn Whales

“The Serious Crash Unit have been advised and the road is expected to remain closed for some time, while emergency services work at the scene.”

Crews from Darfield and Kirwee arrived at the scene, along with police and Hato Hone St John.

A spokesman for St John said it sent a first response unit, an ambulance, two rapid response vehicles and a helicopter.

“One patient is being transported to Christchurch Hospital [by helicopter] in a critical condition,” the spokesman said.

Earlier, the New Zealand Transport Agency said a serious crash closed SH73 at Kirwee, west of Ansons Rd.

Emergency services are responding to a serious crash involving a truck and a ute near Kirwee, west of Christchurch, this morning. Image / Google Maps

While the road has now reopened, a temporary 50km/h speed restriction is now in place, and road users are asked to drive with care.

More to come