Hinds Highway crash: Multiple people seriously injured, one trapped in five-vehicle crash south of Ashburton

It confirmed one person was trapped and crews were attempting to remove them.

It said the road was blocked.

Police said multiple people appeared to be seriously injured, and motorists should expect delays.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) said the police Serious Crash Unit was at the scene.

Part of Hinds Highway, south of Ashburton, is blocked after a five-vehicle crash. Photo / Google

Two fire engines from Ashburton and one from each of Geraldine and Hinds were in attendance, as were police and ambulance staff.

NZTA said the serious crash was reported south of Ashburton between Windermere Rd and Lynnford Rd.

Hinds Highway was closed south of Ashburton, with closure points in place at Windermere Rd and Swamp Rd intersections, NZTA said.

The agency has opened a detour for north and southbound traffic, and said the road is likely to be closed for several hours to allow for investigations.

“For southbound traffic, road users should turn left on to Winslow Willowby Rd, then turn right on to Boundary Rd, then turn right on to Lynnford Rd, then turn left to rejoin SH1.” NZTA said. “The reverse applies for northbound traffic.”

UPDATE 4:40PM
SH1 is CLOSED south of Ashburton.
Closure points are in place at Windermere Rd and Swamp Rd intersections.
Consider an alternative route where possible. Police SCU are attending. The road is likely to remain closed for several hours to allow for investigations. https://t.co/u72FX5Nnda pic.twitter.com/eT7L6uBwf2

— NZ Transport Agency – Canterbury & West Coast (@nztacwc) October 9, 2025

More to come …