State Highway 1 has reopened in Mid Canterbury after a collision involving a milk tanker forced its closure this morning.
Police said two people were injured when the tanker collided with two utility vehicles at the northern end of the Rakaia River bridge just before 7.30am.
The wreckageblocked the highway and police diverted traffic via a one-way bridge at the Rakaia Gorge, leading to lengthy delays.
Inspector Mike Coulter, of the police southern communications centre in Christchurch, said the road was reopened about 10.30am.
Two people received moderate to serious injuries in the crash and were taken to Christchurch Hospital by Westpac rescue helicopter and ambulance, a St John spokesman said.
