A single vehicle crash in North Canterbury after 8 am this morning has closed SH7, the Lewis Pass route south of Hanmer Springs.

NZTA said the road is closed between the highway turnoff into Hanmer Springs and Leslie Hills Road to the south and east.

Chris Lynch Media understands a vehicle has gone down a bank.

There is no detour available in this area which follows the Waiau River.

Just after 10AM, a St John spokeswoman said “we’re currently on the scene with one ambulance, one helicopter, two PRIME doctors (Primary Response In Medical Emergencies) and one operations manager.

One patient is being assessed at the scene in a moderate condition. We will provide more information when it becomes available.”

Road users are advised to delay their travel or use SH1 through Kaikōura to get to Nelson or the Arthur’s Pass route (SH73) if they are travelling between the West Coast/ Buller and Canterbury.

The Police Serious Crash Unit is attending this crash near the Marble Point stock underbridge.

The highway may be closed for several hours into the afternoon NZTA said.