Motorists on State Highway 1 south of Dunsandel can expect delays for the next hour following a serious crash.
The single-vehicle crash occurred at around 9am this morning, near Parkins Road.
Police say it appears a vehicle travelling south has left the road, gone into a ditch and caught fire.
Passers-by were able to free the driver and sole occupant beforethe car was engulfed in flames. The man, aged in his 60s, is being transferred to Christchurch hospital in a critical condition.
It is not known yet whether he suffered injuries in the crash or has suffered a medical event.
No other vehicles were involved.
SH1 has been reduced to one lane and traffic is moving very slowly. Diversions have also been put in place along Old South Road. Police say there is a significant tailback and motorists can expect delays for at least the next hour.
ENDS