Power pole collision kills one

One person was killed and two others injured when a car smashed into a power pole north of Oamaru last night.

Police said the crash happened about 400m south of the Waitaki River bridge on State Highway 1 at about 10.30pm.

One of the occupants had injuries described as life-threatening while a third person received less serious injuries.

Police were this morning investigating what may have caused the crash and said it appeared no other vehicles were involved.

The section of highway where the crash occurred was temporarily closed and diversions were put in place.

Police will not release the victim's name until next of kin have been contacted.

- NZPA