One dead, one critical after truck and cyclists crash near Mt Cook

The road has been closed after a cyclist died in a crash this morning.

One person has died and another is critically injured after a serious crash between a truck and two cyclists in the South Island this morning.

St John Ambulance confirmed one cyclist died at the scene, and another was flown to Christchurch Hospital in a critical condition.

No one else was injured in the crash.

Police say the 6.20am crash happened on the Tekapo-Twizel Rd near the Mt Cook turnoff.

Motorists are being advised to avoid State Highway 8 in Pukaki and to expect delays. The road has now been closed between Twizel and the Mt Cook Rd turnoff.

Due to a crash SH8 is closed btwn Twizel and SH80. Consider using State Highways 1, 82 and 83 for detour. https://t.co/CQEO7UlkQq pic.twitter.com/3tMfhAshhS

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Canterbury & West Coast (@WakaKotahiCWC) March 14, 2017

No local detour is available and motorists are told to use SH1, 82 and 83.

St John said three ambulances and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter with a paramedic onboard went to the crash.

The Serious Crash Unit will be investigating.