One person has died following a two-vehicle crash on State Highway 1 near Temuka this afternoon.

Police said they were called to the scene, near the intersection with Opuha St East at Orari, about 3:30pm on Thursday.

It was initially reported as involving serious injuries but in an update about 8.25pm police confirmed a person had died at the scene.

The highway was blocked for several hours while the Serious Crash Unit conducted a scene examination, but in their update police said it would reopen shortly.

“There will be a 50kmh temporary speed limit in place overnight around the area.”

Detours were in place following the crash.

— Allied Media