One killed, four injured in Christchurch crash

One person was killed and four others were injured when a car plunged over a 20m bluff on Christchurch's Port Hills early today.

The accident happened about 3am on Summit Road Inspector John Doherty of police southern communications said.

"The car has rolled about 200m before going over a 20m bluff.

"There were five occupants and several were thrown from the car."

Inquiries were continuing to identify the dead person but all five occupants were believed to be foreign students with no next-of-kin in New Zealand.

Emergency services were alerted by a cellphone call from one of the occupants and the Westpac rescue helicopter took the injured to Christchurch Hospital.

The four surviving occupants suffered minor to moderate injuries, mainly cuts, bruises and sprains.

"The cause of the crash is unknown but initial indications are that speed and alcohol were not factors," Mr Doherty said.

- NZPA