Seven people injured, one critically, in crash near Twizel

Police and emergency services are at the scene of a serious crash on Twizel-Tekapo Rd (SH8), in Pukaki. Photo / Google

Seven people have been injured after a serious crash in South Canterbury this morning.
Emergency services were alerted at 7.23am to the crash involving two vehicles on the Twizel-Tekapo Rd in Pukaki.

Police said one person is in a critical condition and others have injuries ranging from serious to moderate.

A spokeswoman for St John confirmed that three people with serious injuries had been flown to Dunedin Hospital and two patients with moderate injuries have been taken to Timaru Hospital via ambulance.

Two people were still being treated at the scene late this morning, she said.

Three ambulances and three helicopters were sent to the scene.

A Fire and Emergency NZ spokesperson said two people had to be extricated from the vehicles. Crews from Twizel and Lake Tekapo attended.

Police said the Twizel-Tekapo Rd on State Highway 8 in the Mackenzie Country would be closed for most of the day.

Motorists were asked to avoid the area until investigators are clear of the scene.

UPDATE 10:45AM
Due to a serious crash, #SH8 is CLOSED between Hayman Rd and Braemar Rd. To detour northbound, use SH83, SH82 & SH1 to return to SH8. Reverse for southbound. Please allow extra time for your journey. SH8 between Timaru and Tekapo is open.^CR https://t.co/GmmzQ24Rje

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Canterbury & West Coast (@WakaKotahiCWC) March 16, 2019