Person dies after two cars catch fire in Mapua crash

Emergency services were called to the serious crash on The Coastal Highway (SH60) about 2am. Photo / File

One person has died after a two-vehicle crash in Tasman.

Emergency services were called to the crash on the Coastal Highway (SH60) at Mapua about 2am.

Both vehicles caught fire.

A St John spokeswoman said three ambulance crews treated three patients.

One was in a serious condition and was taken to Nelson Hospital.

Another two had suffered minor injuries.

The Serious Crash Unit attended and the scene examination was completed by 10am but the road remained closed between Apple Valley and Gardner Valley Rds.

NZTA urged motorists to avoid the area or use an alternative route.

UPDATE 10:10AM
Due to a serious rash, #SH60 #Mapua remains CLOSED between Gardner Valley Rd and Apple Valley Rd while crews work to recover the vehicles involved.
Please continue to avoid the area and use an alternate route, like Old Coach Rd. ^CR https://t.co/qEE9gms75X

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Top of the South (@WakaKotahiTotS) February 8, 2020