Three people have been taken to hospital following a serious crash on State Highway 1 north of Temuka.
Police said it was called to the scene of the crash on a section of the Orari-Rangitata Highway near the intersection with Rangitata Island Rd.
"Early indications are one person is critically injured, and two others are seriously injured," police said.
Later on in the day however, a police spokeswoman said the patient that was believed to have been in a critical condition had their status downgraded to a serious condition.
A helicopter was called to transport the patients to hospital, she said.
The road is closed between Orari-Rangitata Bridge Highway and Ealing Road.
Diversions are in place through Arundel.
Motorists are asked to avoid the area.
The Serious Crash Unit has been advised and will be investigating.
