Canterbury Police were alerted to a serious two-vehicle crash on SH1 approximately 10km south of Greta Valley near the Omihi railway crossing at approximately 6.30pm tonight (18 February 2015).
Witnesses report that a small north-bound rental car has crossed the centre line and collided head on into a stock truck and trailer unit carrying a full load of lambs.
The driver and sole occupant of the rental car has been confirmed as deceased at the scene.
The death has been referred to the coroner who will determine the cause of death. No further details of the deceased driver will be released until the process to inform next of kin has been completed.
Police investigations into the cause of the cause of the crash are continuing.
The driver and sole occupant of the stock truck was not injured but is understandably shaken. The lambs on board the stock truck and trailer unit will be transferred to another vehicle but none appear to be injured at this stage.
Diversions are likely to remain in place for the next 4-5 hours while Canterbury Police Serious Crash Unit complete a scene examination and the area is cleared.
Canterbury Police ask the public to avoid the area where possible as there are likely to be significant delays while diversions are in place.
A photograph will be added to the website later tonight.
No further information will be released tonight.
ENDS
Issued by: Lisa-Marie Brooks, District Communications Manager, Canterbury Police District. Mobile: 021 942 404