Two dead after crash closes State Highway 1 near Rakaia Bridge in Canterbury, 100km detour

Main South Rd remains closed as police investigate the cause of the crash.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) said SH1 at the North Rakaia Rd intersection is closed, with a detour involving an extra 100km of travel.

Earlier, Hato Hone St John said three people had been injured, with one in critical condition.

“Our ambulance staff treated three patients and transported two of them to Christchurch Public Hospital by helicopter, one in a critical condition and one in a serious condition,” St John said.

“The third patient was transported by road ambulance to Christchurch Public Hospital in a moderate condition.”

UPDATE 3:30PM
SH1 Rakaia Bridge remains CLOSED due to a serious crash north of the bridge. It is likely to remain closed for several hours while emergency services work at the scene. Please allow extra time for your journey or delay travel if possible. ^SG https://t.co/CSmH5cyuDv

— NZ Transport Agency – Canterbury & West Coast (@nztacwc) May 15, 2026

Police said the area around Main South Rd would be blocked for a significant period of time.

Police advised motorists to choose alternative routes as emergency services work at the scene.

The Serious Crash Unit has been notified.

NZTA said contractors are working to set up formal detours, with emergency services expected to continue working at the site for “several hours”.

“People are urged to avoid the area or delay their travel if they can.

“If people are in the area, they can consider travelling inland via State Highway 77 and crossing the river at the Rakaia Gorge.

“However, people should be aware this involves an additional 100km of travel between Rakaia and Christchurch, and SH77 may also be congested by other detouring traffic.”