(7:PM) UPDATE:

State Highway 1/Main South Road at Rakaia, including the Rakaia River Bridge, has reopened following a fatal crash earlier today. NZTA said “with police investigations at the site complete, and vehicles involved in the crash having been towed, the section of SH1/Main South Road between North Rakaia Road and Railway Terrace East is now open and clear. People are asked to travel with care on this route as any remaining congestion eases.”

(6.10PM) UPDATE:

Congestion on SH77 after fatal Rakaia crash
People are being warned about significant congestion on State Highway 77 this afternoon as it is used by many as an alternative route to avoid a fatal crash closure on State Highway 1 at Rakaia.
An NZTA spokesman said road users are reporting lengthy delays in the area near the Rakaia Gorge bridge, which offers an alternative crossing point to the SH1 Rakaia River bridge. People are encouraged to temporarily delay their travel in the area if they can. Police’s Serious Crash Unit has been investigating at the crash site, just north of the Rakaia River bridge, and it is expected that State Highway 1/Main South Road may be able to reopen early this evening. Traffic congestion on SH77 captured in the image below from NZTA’s Journey Planner site.

(5.30PM) UPDATE

Two people have died and three others have been injured in a crash involving at least three vehicles on State Highway 1, Main South Road, in Selwyn.

Police have corrected an earlier statement about the crash. An initial police release, issued at 4.17pm, wrongly described it as a single vehicle crash and contained incorrect information about the number of patients and their conditions.

In the corrected statement, police said ambulance services were called for five people who were injured in the crash.

Two were pronounced dead at the scene despite the efforts of emergency personnel. The other three have injuries ranging from moderate to critical.

The crash happened on State Highway 1 near North Rakaia Road, north of the Rakaia River, at around 1.12pm.

Emergency services mounted a major response. A St John spokesperson said a first response unit, an operations manager, two air ambulance helicopters and two ambulances were sent to the scene.

Main South Road remains closed while police make enquiries into the circumstances of the crash. The Serious Crash Unit has been notified.

The New Zealand Transport Agency earlier said a closure of several hours was possible, and motorists are advised to consider their travel across the wider Canterbury region accordingly.