Critical injuries in North Canterbury crash

Thursday, 10 October 2019

Two people trapped following a serious crash in North Canterbury have been freed.

Emergency services were called to the crash at the intersection of Lineside and Mulcocks roads, Flaxton, just before 6pm on Thursday.

There was initial confusion about the number of vehicles involved. A police spokeswoman confirmed three were involved in the crash, one of which ended up on a nearby railway line.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) spokeswoman Lyn Crosson said crews freed two trapped people, one each from separate vehicles. 

A St John spokeswoman said two ambulances, a rapid response vehicle, and a helicopter were sent to the scene. 

She said one patient was in a critical condition, one was serious and another received moderate injuries. 

All three were being taken to Christchurch Hospital.

KiwiRail South Island operations general manager Jeanine Benson said the Main North Line was closed between Rangiora and Belfast following the crash.

Passengers on the Coastal Pacific service would be bused from Rangiora to Christchurch, she said.

'We expect the line to be closed for some hours and freight services overnight may be impacted.'

A police spokeswoman said the road was blocked and diversions were in place via Revells Road and State Highway 1. 

The police Serious Crash Unit has been advised.