One killed in crash on Christchurch motorway

File photo / NZ Herald

A man was killed and his passenger seriously injured when a ute and a truck collided at a motorway off-ramp north of Christchurch this morning.

Emergency services were called to the Lineside Rd off-ramp of State Highway 1 in Kaiapoi about 11.15am.

The ute driver was pronounced dead at the scene.

His passenger was taken to Christchurch Hospital in a serious condition.

The truck driver was reported to be shaken but unhurt.

Senior Sergeant Phil Newton of the Canterbury Highway Patrol said the police serious crash unit was investigating.

"At this stage it is too early to determine exactly what's caused the crash. However, early indications are that the utility was travelling northwards on the motorway and has exited at the Lineside Rd off-ramp. It appears the ute has attempted to turn right into Lineside Rd and collided with the truck,'' he said.

The motorway remained open but the Lineside Rd overbridge was closed.

Eastbound traffic was being diverted while traffic heading west towards Rangiora was unaffected.

Diversions were likely to remain in place until at least 2pm.