Truck slams into three cars stopped for roadworks

Photo / NZ Police

Four people have been taken to hospital following a collision between an articulated truck and three cars on SH1, Rangitata Highway, near Hinds this morning.

Canterbury Police said the vehicles were travelling south-bound along SH1 along a section of road where temporary traffic lights had been set up in order for contractors to work in the area.

The cars were understood to have been stationary at the traffic lights when the truck appeared to have collided with the back of the first car, a Holden ute, pushing it into the second, a Subaru Forester, and third, a Toyota Highlander.

Canterbury Police's Serious Crash Unit and Commercial Vehicle Investigation Unit are on site assessing the scene.

The male driver and sole occupant of the articulated truck was uninjured.

The man driving the ute has been taken to Ashburton Hospital in a stable condition with moderate injuries. The female driver and two children in the Forester have been taken to Timaru Hospital for treatment of moderate/minor injuries. The man driving the Highlander was uninjured.

Police investigations into the crash are continuing.

Acting Canterbury Road Policing Manager, Acting Inspector Glenn Nalder, said "This is a timely reminder, before the long weekend, for everyone on Canterbury's roads to drive to the conditions, take regular breaks and slow down so you have enough time to make informed decisions when approaching intersections or changing lane. This crash occurred on a straight section of the State Highway where it is important to have safe following distances for the conditions.

"Be aware of changing factors on the roads due to weather (sun strike/wet roads), roadworks and temporary speed reductions as you're travelling around the District this summer. Remember to allow adequate time for your journey and factor in a buffer for any unforeseen delays. Canterbury Police want every journey in the District to be a safe journey" says Acting Inspector Nalder.

Canterbury Police are appealing for witnesses who may have seen the crash but were unable to wait at the scene to contact Ashburton Police Station on 03 307 8400.

Information can also be provided anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.