
Emergency services at the scene of the crash. Photo: Gerard O’Brien
One person is believed to have died in a crash between a motorcycle and a car on State Highway 1 south of Dunedin this afternoon.
A police spokesperson said East Taieri-Allanton Road /SH1 between Law Rd and Riverside Rd was closed following a two-vehicle crash around 1.30pm.
One person has sustained serious injuries and diversions are in place.
The Otago Daily Times understands another person died in the crash.
Police said motorists should expect delays and the road was expected to be closed for several hours.
A witness at the scene described seeing a large motorcycle on its side in the middle of the road and a tarpaulin nearby.
A four-door sedan appeared to have crashed through a fence and into a ditch.
An occupant of the car was being treated at the scene.
A local resident said traffic was backing up and a number of truck and trailer units were stuck and unable to turn around.
UPDATE 2:50PM
Due to a serious crash, SH1 is CLOSED between Riccarton Rd East and SH86.
SB traffic use SH1, Riccarton Rd East, SH87, left onto Hoylake St, continue onto Bell St then Allanton Rd, onto SH86 and back onto SH1. Reverse for NB traffic. This detour is suitable HPMV. https://t.co/YynvuphAFk pic.twitter.com/pR0n73tbYY
— NZ Transport Agency – Otago & Southland (@nztaos) September 4, 2025
– Allied Media
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