SH7 crash south of Hanmer Springs involved caravan and several vehicles

A second South Island highway was also shut this afternoon after a person was critically injured in a 3.10pm crash that closed Rakaia Highway near the intersection with Chertsey Line Rd.

A second person received minor injuries in the two-vehicle accident south of Christchurch, which has also blocked train tracks, police said.

“The road could remain closed for several hours while police SCU [serious crash unit] … carries out an investigation”, NZ Transport Agency wrote on Facebook at 4pm.

“Southbound road users should detour via Elizabeth Ave, Railway Terrace, Thompsons Track and Somerton Rd. Reverse for northbound travellers.”

Vehicles involved in the crash that blocked State Highway 7 south of Hanmer Springs this afternoon.

Meanwhile, tourists, families and truckies were among those stuck after the SH7 crash, said a motorist who was on his way home to Christchurch after a work trip.

Weather conditions were good, with no wind or rain, he said.

“It’s a lovely sunny day.”

A caravan and multiple vehicles have been involved in a minor-injury crash that blocked State Highway 7 south of Hanmer Springs this afternoon, police say. Image / Google Maps

He had some provisions for a long stay but was afraid to get too comfortable, he told the Herald before the highway reopened.

“I’ve got a cup of tea but I’m too scared to have too much to drink because I’ve got nowhere to go to the toilet.”

Motorists queued on State Highway 7 south of Hanmer Springs this afternoon after a multi-vehicle crash blocked lanes in both directions.