State Highway 73 in Kirwee remains closed following a fiery crash involving a tanker and a car.

The collision was reported just after 8am, west of Ansons Road.

One person was transported to Christchurch Hospital by helicopter in a critical condition.

The contractor driving a tanker sustained minor injuries.

A police spokesperson told chrislynchmedia.com the Serious Crash Unit was at the scene and the road was expected to remain closed for some time.

A motorist who captured this footage said the car crossed the centre line. He said the truck driver did his absolute best to avoid, bit still collided.

The truck went up in flames almost instantly on impact.