A man died on the way to hospital this morning after brave motorists freed him from a burning car.
Police said a people-mover rolled into a ditch and burst into flames around 9am on State Highway 1 at Dunsandel, near Parkins Rd, 40km south of Christchurch.
Passers-by were able to free the driver, the sole occupant, before the car was engulfed in flames. The man, aged in his 60s, was being transferred to Christchurch Hospital in a critical condition but died on the way.
It is not known yet whether he suffered injuries in the crash or has suffered a medical event.
No other vehicles were involved.
The man's name will not be released until next of kin have been notified.
SH1 has been reduced to one lane and traffic is moving very slowly. Diversions have also been put in place along Old South Road.
Police said there was a significant tailback and motorists could expect delays for at least the next hour.
