Three-truck crash blocks State Highway 1 near Kaikoura

The crash happened earlier this morning. Photo / File

Three trucks have crashed on State Highway 1 near Kaikoura, blocking the road and injuring two drivers.

The first crash happened at 5.42am when a truck hit a ditch on the side of the road near the intersection of Kekerengu Rd, north of Kaikoura.

The driver suffered moderate chest injuries from his seatbelt.

A second truck-driver pulled over to assist, and his vehicle was hit by a third truck.

St John spokesman Ian Henderson said two men were flown by rescue helicopter to Wairau Hospital in Blenheim.

One had moderate injuries and the other had minor injuries.

The road has been reponed for a short time, but it will be closed again later today so the vehicles involved can be removed.

A police spokeswoman said heavy haulage and possibly a crane may be used to get the truck out of the ditch.