Cause of fatal head-on crash still unknown

A man has been killed in a crash on SH1. File photo.

Police are still working out the cause of a fatal head-on crash in South Canterbury yesterday.

Two cars collided head-on while negotiating an easy corner on State Highway 1 near Orari, police said. One of the drivers died at the scene.

His passenger suffered minor bruising.

A passenger in the other vehicle sustained serious injuries including a possible fractured hip, while the driver in that vehicle escaped with minor bruising.

The death has been referred to the coroner.

"Police are currently working to ensure that next of kin are fully informed and will not release any details of the deceased man until this process has been completed," a police statement said.

Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash to contact them on 03 364 7400.

Information can also be provided anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.