Two people are dead and another two are injured following a two-car collision on State Highway 1 north of Christchurch.
Emergency services were called to the scene near Pa Rd south of Woodend at 3:45pm.
The fire service says it had to use rescue equipment to get a person out of one of the cars.
Diversions are in place and motorists are urged to avoid the area.
The Serious Crash Unit is investigating.
Newshub.