Fatal two-car crash in Otago

Photo / Michael Craig

One person has died and another has been airlifted to hospital with serious chest injuries following a two-car crash in Otago tonight.

The crash happened on State Highway 1 between Milton and Balclutha about 5.30pm, said a St John spokesman.

He said the patients, one male and one female, were travelling in separate cars.

One patient was dead when emergency crews arrived, but it was unknown if it was the male or female, the spokesman said.

The second patient had serious chest injuries and was airlifted to Dunedin Hospital by the Otago Regional Rescue Helicopter.

A police communications spokesman said the highway would be closed until the morning, but detours were in place overnight.