A truck has collided with a car on Canterbury's Rakaia Bridge, leaving one person dead and State Highway 1 closed in both directions since earlier this afternoon.
Police said the crash was reported to them at 2:42pm today, with the sole occupant of the car left dead, but the truck driver escaping uninjured.
Police say the SH1 at Rakaia Bridge is expected to remain closed for some time because the truck involved has jack-knifed and a crane is removing it.
Christchurch Transport Operations Centre reported the only alternative for the SH1 Rakia Bridge route is the via the Rakaia Gorge Bridge on SH77.
This will add about an extra 60km travel for those commuting between Christchurch and Ashburton.
Due to this Christchurch Transport Operations Centre is advising motorists should delay their travel if possible.
A further crash on Sharlands Rd at 3.50pm is also causing further delays.
One person from this second crash was flown to Christchurch Hospital via helicopter with serious injuries.
The Rakaia Bridge is the longest road bridge in New Zealand and crosses the Rakaia River, one of Canterbury's large braided rivers.
It is around 50km west of Christchurch.
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