Two people are dead and three others injured after a multi-vehicle crash on State Highway 1 at Rakaia in Canterbury this afternoon.
Emergency services were called to the scene, near the intersection with North Rakaia Rd about 1.10pm.
About 4.30pm police confirmed two people had died at the scene, and said two others had serious injuries.
They later issued a correction to say that ambulance services were called for five injured people involved in the crash.
"Sadly, despite the efforts of emergency personnel, two people were pronounced deceased at the scene.
"Three others have injuries that range from moderate to critical."
Police earlier said the Serious Crash Unit had been notified.
The highway was closed all afternoon, but in an update about 7.10pm NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi advised it had reopened.
Earlier, traffic cameras showed long queues of vehicles leading south on to the Rakaia River Bridge.
Commenters on the Canterbury NZTA Facebook page late this afternoon said the only detour was via the Rakaia Gorge, which was reportedly severely congested.
-Allied Media
