Two people have died following a crash on State Highway one south of Rakaia.

Emergency Services were called to the scene on Wilkinsons Road, Rakaia Highway just after 7pm.

Fire crews from Rakaia and Ashburton attended the scene.

A Fire Communications Spokesman said one appliance was still at the scene after 9.15pm.

Police say the road is expected to remain closed for some time while the Serious Crash Unit examines the scene.

There’s no word yet on how the crash happened.

Diversions are in place and motorists should continue to avoid the area.