Four people have died and three others are injured after a minivan and truck collided at a rural intersection east of Ashburton this morning.
Mid South Canterbury police area commander Inspector Dave Gaskin said the minivan with six people was travelling on Cochranes Rd and appeared to have driven through a controlled intersection with Wakanui Rd and collided with a heavy truck.
Three people died at the scene, and one later in Ashburton Hospital, all occupants of the van. The other two occupants of the van were also injured; one is in a critical condition in hospital and one in a serious condition
The truck driver, believed to be a local, was also hurt and is in Ashburton Hospital.
‘‘The van appears to be a group of people who have travelled from the North Island," Insp Gaskin said.
Police were trying to find out exactly what happened.
‘‘This is an absolute tragedy and a terrible start to Queen’s Birthday. It appears a moment’s inattention has caused this tragedy. I urge people to be careful and take their time and be careful.’’
The police serious crash unit was at the scene and the road would be closed for some time.
"Any fatality is a hardship on the community. Ashburton and Mid Canterbury area has suffered a number of these types of accidents, Insp Gaskin said.
All I can really stress is be very, very careful on the roads. It is up to all of us to do our bit."
The official holiday period begins at 4pm today and ends at 6am on Tuesday.
Emergency services were called to the scene at Riccarton Rd and Hansons Ln just before 7am.
A car was also involved in the crash.
A police investigation is under way - with the Serious Crash Unit examining the scene. Diversions are in place, with motorists asked to avoid the area.
- By Linda Clarke of Ashburton Courier and NZ Herald
