Emergency services are at a serious three-vehicle crash which is blocking the state highway between Hampden and Oamaru in North Otago.
The crash near the intersection of Mile Flat Rd and SH 1 was reported to emergency services about 2.15pm today.
Rescue helicopters have been sent to the scene, about 44km south of Oamaru.
The highway was closed about 3.10pm, NZ Transport Agency/Waka Kotahi said.
A reporter at the scene said what appeared to be a four-door sedan had taken the brunt of the damage and its front-end was “pretty much completely smashed”.
A white ute on the other side of the road also appeared to have suffered some damage, including to its roof.
There was a large emergency services presence about 3pm, including two helicopters, two ambulances, three fire trucks and four police cars.
Traffic was significantly backed up north of Hampden, he said.
A spokesman for NZTA said road users were urged to avoid SH1/Herbert-Hampden Rd, or delay their journey.
People in the area should follow the directions of emergency services at the crash site.
The Serious Crash Unit have been advised, a police spokeswoman said.
– Allied Media