Two dead after four-vehicle crash in Canterbury

File photo / NZ Herald

Two people are dead and two people are seriously injured after a multiple-vehicle crash in Canterbury today.

Police said two people have been taken to Christchurch Hospital with serious injuries following the multiple vehicle crash.

The crash occurred about 1.15pm near the intersection of State Highway 1 and Breadings Road.

Police said initial reports indicated a car travelling south on SH1 had crossed the centre line into the path of a north-bound vehicle.

The male driver of the south-bound car and the female driver of the north-bound car both died at the scene.

Two females, passengers from each of the two vehicles, were taken to Christchurch Hospital by helicopter with serious injuries.

Three other vehicles were also caught up in the immediate aftermath of the crash, but no other serious injuries were reported, police said.

Weather and road conditions at the time were poor, but it's not yet known whether that was a factor in the crash.

Diversions are expected to remain in place until at least 6pm.

The police serious crash unit is attending.