Police identify man in fatal crash near Christchurch

Police have identified the man who died in a fatal crash involving three vehicles. File photo

Police have identified the man who died in a fatal crash involving three vehicles near Christchurch on Thursday.

He was 60-year-old Anthony Newton from Ashburton, Canterbury Police said.

The death has been referred to the coroner.

Senior Sergeant Peter Stills said Mr Newton was driving northbound on State Highway 1 when his car crossed the centre line at Norwood.

His vehicle collided with a trailer being towed in the opposite direction, before colliding with a second southbound vehicle.

The driver of the second vehicle, a man in his 40s, was taken to Christchurch Hospital where he was treated for chest injuries, Mr Stills said.

State Highway 1 was closed to traffic with Canterbury's serious crash unit completed a scene examination.

"We would like to thank the public for their patience while diversions were in place after the crash," Mr Stills said.

Investigations were ongoing.