Two dead after campervan collides with 4WD, police confirm

Two people have died in a crash between a campervan and a ute south of Christchurch today, police have confirmed.

The crash happened shortly after 1pm at Bankside, at the intersection of Breadings Rd and State Highway 1, near a passing lane between Dunsandel and Rakaia.

A third person received non-life threatening injuries in the crash, police said.

They have been taken to hospital for treatment.

SH1 is closed and diversions are in place at Heslerton Rd and Main Rakaia Rd.

Police are asking motorists to avoid the area if possible.

The police serious crash unit is "investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash".

St John earlier said it was at the scene and forwarded media enquiries to police.

- More to come