Two people have died in a crash in Christchurch this morning. Canterbury police say the crash occurred on Russley Road about 6.45am.

It happened between Memorial Ave and Harewood Road.

The drivers of both vehicles died at the scene.

An eye witness said both cars were on fire moments after the crash.

It’s understood one of the motorists may have been driving the wrong way on Russley Road, but police haven’t confirmed this.

One southbound lane is open, however the northbound lane is expected to be closed for several hours.

Christchurch Transport Operations Centre is advising Northbound traffic can turn right onto Ron Guthrey Rd then turn left on Memorial Ave then right onto Orchard Rd then turn right onto Harewood Dr back onto SH1.