A 14-year-old boy is in a critical condition in hospital after a fatal head-on crash overnight.

The woman driver of the other vehicle died at the scene of the crash which happened on Old West Coast Road in West Melton just after 11.15PM on Monday.

A St John spokeswoman said they responded with three ambulances, two rapid response units and one manager.

“We assessed and treated one patient who was transported to Christchurch hospital in a critical condition.”

Canterbury Rural Commander Inspector Peter Cooper said one of the vehicles crossed the centre line and was on the wrong side of the road.

“Two families have had their lives turned upside down and the incident is traumatic for all those involved.”

He said the investigation into crash was ongoing.

The road was closed while emergency services responded to the crash.

Chris Lynch Media understands the vehicle driven by the 14-year-old was not stolen.

On Tuesday afternoon, a police spokeswoman said “police has not, and is not currently releasing any more information on the West Melton crash.”

The legal age to drive with a learner licence in New Zealand is 16 years old.