By 1news.co.nz
Three people have died in a multi-vehicle crash on State Highway 8 at Pukaki this afternoon.
The crash occurred between two vehicles and a motorcycle between Hayman Rd and Tekapo-Canal Rd around 1.30pm.
“One of the deceased was riding a motorcycle while the two others who lost their lives were travelling together in one of the cars.”
Three others were seriously injured and a further two were moderately injured in the crash.
Several of those injured were trapped in the wreckage and needed to be cut out, Inspector Craig McKay said.
“A large number of emergency service staff, including three rescue helicopters responded.”
Three people have been airlifted to hospital.
Police are in the “early stages” of the investigation and a “complex and lengthy investigation” lies ahead, he said.
State Highway 8 will remain closed for “some time” and is not expected to reopen until late this evening.
The serious crash unit is at the scene and their work will continue into the evening, McKay said.
“Crashes of this nature are incredibly confronting, and we are arranging support for those members of the public who were first at the scene and tried their best to save lives.”
It was followed 90 minutes later by a second three-vehicle crash nearby, at the intersection of SH8 and Tekapo-Twizel Rd.
One person sustained serious injuries in the crash, while nine others received injuries ranging from minor to moderate.
Inquiries into the second crash are ongoing.
“We want to ask every motorist on the roads this weekend to take extra care,” McKay said.
“Please take your time, have plenty of breaks and drive to the conditions.
“Crashes like this show how easy it is for things to go horribly wrong.”
An alternate route is available via SH8, SH1, SH82, SH83 and back onto SH8.
The Easter holiday road toll stands at five.
