Two people were taken to hospital after a crash involving three cars on State Highway 1 near East Taieri yesterday.

Emergency services were called to Main South Rd, between Gladfield Rd and Riccarton Rd East, about 11.05am.

A photographer at the scene said three cars were damaged in the crash, and one of them appeared to have a cracked windscreen.

A St John spokeswoman said five people were involved.

Three people were assessed at the scene and two were taken to Dunedin Hospital with minor and moderate injuries, she said.

PHOTO: GREGOR RICHARDSON