One dead after crash near Kaiapoi

One person has died and another is injured following a crash on a northern motorway off-ramp near Kaiapoi this morning.

A truck and a utility vehicle collided at approximately 11.15 at the Lineside Road off-ramp.

The diver of the utility, a male, was pronounced dead at the scene. The passenger of the utility has been taken to Christchurch Hospital with injuries.

Senior Sergeant Phil Newton of the Canterbury Highway Patrol says the Serious Crash Unit is on site and enquiries into the crash are under way.

"At this stage it is too early to determine exactly what's caused the crash," he says.

"However early indications are that the utility was travelling northwards on the motorway and has exited at the Lineside Road off-ramp. It appears the ute has attempted to turn right into Lineside Road and collided with the truck."

The driver of the truck is reported to be shaken but unhurt.

Senior Sergeant Newton says the motorway remains open, but the Lineside Road overbridge is currently closed and east-bound traffic is being diverted.

Traffic heading west towards Rangiora is unaffected. Diversions are likely to remain in place for at least another hour.

ENDS

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