Three killed in South Island crash

File photo / NZ Herald

Three people killed in a horror smash in Central Otago this afternoon were all foreign nationals, police say.

A truck and van collided near Luggate, at the intersection of Shortcut Rd and State Highway 6, about 4.30pm today.

Senior Sergeant Gavin Briggs said three people travelling in the van - the male driver and two female passengers in the rear - had died.

A fourth man was flown to Dunedin Hospital by helicopter. The extent of his injuries was not yet known, Mr Briggs said.

"The driver of the truck and trailer was unhurt in the incident but is shaken," he said.

Police serious crash unit investigators were still at the scene this evening. A detour would remain in place until further notice.

An Otago Daily Times reporter at the scene said the crash involved a truck and trailer and a campervan, at the bottom of a steep hill near Wanaka Airport.

A St John spokesman said emergency services were alerted at 4.14pm and sent an ambulance and the Otago Regional Rescue helicopter from Dunedin to the scene.

He confirmed one patient had serious injuries including possible leg injuries.