Four people have died and several seriously injured in a horror crash near Ashburton.

Police were called to the scene of the crash on Cochrane Road and Wakanui Road in Ashburton at 9.30am.

A truck and a van carrying multiple passengers collided at the intersection of the road.

Area Commander Inspector David Gaskin said initial indications are that the van went through a controlled intersection.

One person is in critical condition and another passenger of the van is in serious condition.

Three people were taken to Christchurch Hospital, but sadly one of those transported has since died
Officers are on the scene conducting a thorough scene examination which will be ongoing.

As such, the road’s likely to be close for much of the afternoon.

”Given the serious nature of this crash, the formal identification process of those who have died is likely to take some time.”

”It’s been an awful start to the weekend here in Canterbury, with one person deceased in a crash in Riccarton Road this morning.”

”Any death on our roads is too many, and crashes like these are also devastating for our staff and our local communities.”

”Going into the long weekend, we would urge people to think carefully when
they get behind the wheel – put down the cellphone, don’t drive impaired, drive to a safe speed, and wear your seatbelt.”