Fatal crash in Canterbury

One person was killed and two seriously injured in a crash on State Highway 1 in south Canterbury this afternoon.

Police said they came across the the crash at Otaio, involving a four-wheel-drive and a truck and trailer unit, about 3.15pm.

The 4WD, carrying two passengers, had been travelling north and the truck, also carrying two people, was heading south when they collided.

The driver of the 4WD was killed.

The truck veered off the road and into a ditch, hitting a power pole and catching fire.

Police suspected the rear tyres burst into flames due to road friction. The fire caused some damage to the rear of the vehicle.

The power line snapped, causing electricity to arc around the pole. Power was turned off for a time while it was fixed.

Police said both occupants of the truck suffered serious injuries. The condition of the 4WD's passenger was not known.

The road was blocked for a time and a detour was put in place.