A person has been critically injured in a fiery crash in Kirwee.

The collision, involving a milk tanker and a ute, was reported just after 8am.

It happened on State Highway 73, west of Ansons Road.

A police spokesperson told chrislynchmedia.com the Serious Crash Unit have been advised and the road is expected to remain closed for some time, while emergency services work at the scene.

St John dispatched a first response unit, ambulance, two rapid response vehicles and a helicopter.

“One patient is being transported to Christchurch Hospital (by helicopter) in a critical condition” a spokesman said.