Man found dead at Otago crash scene

A man has been found dead at a crash scene in Otago, police said.

The armed offenders squad was called out as a firearm was spotted at the scene at Hampden, between Dunedin and Oamaru.

An ambulance was at the site. State Highway One at Hampden was closed and drivers were being directed along the "Coast Road".

Kim Simpson, of the Olive Grove Lodge, near the crash site, said armed police had asked his family to lock themselves inside.

"The Swat (Special Weapons and Tactics) teams all turned up and then they just started combing the district from our driveway in towards Herbert Forest way," he told National Radio.

"We've had helicopters flying over us for ages."

An ambulance and fire engine had entered the closed-off area, he said.

Police have not said whether anyone other than the dead man was involved in the crash.

SH1 was re-opened shortly before 3pm.

Police said a witness had earlier reported seeing a body lying beside a ute with a gun close by.

It was unlikely anyone else was involved in the crash.

- NEWSTALK ZB, NZHERALD STAFF, NZPA