Three dead, four injured in horror crash north of Kaikōura

Three people are dead and four have been injured in a crash involving a truck and car, north of Kaikōura.

Emergency services were called to the scene about 3:10pm, on State Highway 1 at Hapuku, in the Tasman District.

A police statement confirmed three people died at the scene, while four others had a range of injuries - two of those critical.

Police said those injured have been taken to hospital by helicopters.

Authorities have closed the road while police investigate the crash.