Two people have died following a three-vehicle crash on State Highway 1 (Ashworths Road), Leithfield.

A police spokesman said a further two people have been transported to hospital.

Chris Lynch Media understands a baby was transported to Christchurch hospital with minor injures and was a passenger in one the vehicles where a person died.

A cordon remains in place at the scene while a scene examination takes place.

An investigation into the cause of the crash is underway.

NZTA said the SH 1 Leithfield between the intersections of Mill Road and Kings Road was closed.