'Speed' a factor in Christchurch fatal

Police say speed may have been a factor in a serious car crash that left one person dead and five people injured in Christchurch last night.

Emergency services were called to the two car crash on Memorial Ave about 10.20pm yesterday, police said.

Police said two vehicles were damaged as a result of the crash and one person was found deceased at the scene.

Five other people from the two vehicles were taken to Christchurch Hospital, two of them with serious injuries.

The sole occupant of the second vehicle has been discharged from hospital this morning, police said.

The Serious Crash Unit attended the scene last night and police said they were continuing to investigate into the cause of the crash.

Police said based on early indications from the scene examination, speed may have played a role in the crash.

Police asked anyone who witnessed the crash or saw a silver Hyundai station wagon driving along Memorial Ave last night around 10pm, to contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The death has been referred to the coroner, police said.