Two people dead, three in critical condition after SH1 crash near Redwood Pass in Marlborough

Two people have died and another three are in critical condition after a two-car crash near Blenheim.

Emergency services were called to the crash on State Highway 1 near Redwood Pass at around 10.40am.

Hato Hone St John said it responded with four helicopters, three ambulances, two managers and a Major Incident Support Team vehicle.

Two people were airlifted to Wellington Hospital while the third was taken to Christchurch Hospital.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) said SH1 at Redwood Pass has since reopened after being closed several hours.

Temporary speed limits are in place and police have thanked motorists for their patience.

A spokesman from nearby Riverlands-based business Tinto Containers said there was a long line of traffic being turned away by emergency services.

“By the looks of it they’re [drivers] not being allowed to continue south on State Highway 1. It’s blocked off just before the turnoff to Redwood Pass Rd.”

The spokesman said it wasn’t uncommon to see emergency services scream past the area.