A crash involving five cars has closed off a section of State Highway 1, south of Christchurch.
Two vehicles collided south of Dunsandel about 3.40pm, Southern Communications Centre Inspector Murray Hurst said.
Three other cars became involved in the crash, he said.
The male driver of one vehicle was taken by ambulance to Christchurch Hospital with moderate injuries.
A diversion is expected to be in place until about 7pm. Motorists should expect delays, Inspector Hurst said.