Two dead in SH1 crash

Two people have died in the crash at Kekerengu earlier today.

In a statement, NZ police  have confirmed two people have died following a serious two-vehicle collision on SH1, Kekerengu this morning.

Two others have been taken to hospital with moderate injuries.

The road between Riverlands and Kaikoura is expected to remain closed for several hours while the Serious Crash Unit continue their investigations.

Rescue crews  were at the scene of a serious road accident in South Marlborough this morning.

The two-vehicle crash at the Wharanui Beach Road intersection near Kekerengu townshipclosed State Highway 1 and required helicopter assistance, with Police informed just before 11am.

This follows a crash in a similar area late last year, where one person was killed and six injured.

With traffic expected to be heavier before the Easter Holiday weekend, drivers travelling between Blenheim and Christchurch must factor the closure into their travel plans.

NZTA/Waka Kotahi recommends drivers avoid the area, delay their travel, or use the much longer inland route via State Highway 7 Lewis Pass and State Highway 63 Wairau Valley/St Arnaud.

This route adds around two hours to travel times and it is essential drivers, particularly those with EVs or ferry connections in Picton, plan for this.