Ice believed factor in fatal crash

A person has died after a serious crash in Canterbury this morning.

Police said a number of people had been injured in the accident on State Highway One between Rakaia and Chertsey.

The person earlier listed as being in a critical condition had since died. Next of kin are being notified.

Ice appeared to have been a factor in the crash, police said

Traffic is being diverted from the highway onto Hatfield Overdale Road, Thompsons Track and Wilkinsons Road.

Meanwhile, police in Wellington and the Hutt Valley are urging commuters driving to work to beware of black ice on the road.

A spokesman said that officers were currently attending a number of minor accidents asked drivers to slow down and increase following distances.

"Roading contractors are spreading grit on some of the areas but the number of places affected means all drivers should exercise the utmost caution."

- NZPA and NZHERALD STAFF