State Highway 1/Waimate Highway near Makikihi in South Canterbury is closed after a serious crash this afternoon.

The closure is in place at the intersection with O’Neills Road and emergency services are at the site of the crash.   

Police say the single vehicle crash was reported at around 2:20pm, and initial indications are that there are serious injuries.

Because of the serious nature of the crash, the road may be closed for several hours. 

A detour is available as follows: southbound traffic should turn left onto Makikihi Beach Road, right onto Hook Swamp Road, then left back onto SH1/Waimate Highway. Northbound traffic should turn left onto Lower Hook Road, right onto Waimate Hunter Road, then right onto Makikihi Hunter Road and left back onto SH1/Waimate Highway. These detours are suitable for all traffic.