Four people have been transported to hospital, three with serious injuries, after a four-vehicle crash west of Tekapo this evening.
A police spokesman said the crash between Tekapo Powerhouse Rd and Braemar Rd happened about 7pm.
The crash had closed that section of State Highway 8.
"Three people are reported to have serious injuries, while another has moderate injuries," the spokesman said.
Three rescue helicopters responded to the crash and the highway was expected to be closed for some time.
A Hato Hone St John spokesman said those with serious injuries had been airlifted to Christchurch Hospital.
The moderately injured person was transported to Timaru Hospital via ambulance.
Three transporting vehicles, a critical care paramedic and manager also attended, the spokesman said.
A Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesman said two people were trapped in one of the vehicles upon arrival.
They had since been extricated.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi advised motorists to use an alternative route or delay their journey.
The route was closed until further notice.
