Three people have been flown to hospital after the crash near Roxburgh. Photo: Simon Henderson

Three people have been flown to hospital after a two-vehicle crash in Central Otago tonight.

A police spokeswoman said emergency services were called to the crash at the intersection of Fruitlands-Roxburgh Rd and Roxburgh-East Rd, near Roxburgh, at 6.45pm.

Three people suffered moderate injuries and a rescue helicopter was called due to the remote location on State Highway 8.

The police spokeswoman said one of the vehicles was carrying fruit, which scattered across the road.

Police control the flow of traffic following the crash. Photo: Bruce Munro

The New Zealand Transport Agency advised that SH8 was closed and a diversion is in place.

Road users were asked to follow emergency services for alternate route and to allow extra travel time.