State Highway 7 reopens after multi-vehicle crash near Hanmer Springs

State Highway 7 south of Hanmer Springs has reopened following a crash involving several vehicles and a caravan. The incident occurred around 2.10pm on Thursday and blocked both lanes of the highway. Four people were assessed by ambulance staff at the scene with minor injuries.

The crash was located near Leslie Hills Rd or Mt Culverden. While police reported minor injuries, one motorist claimed to have heard that three vehicles were upside down. Diversions were implemented between Marble Point and Leslie Hills Rd while debris was cleared.

The highway reopened just before 5pm, though motorists should expect delays as congestion eases. The crash occurred on a sunny day with no wind or rain.

A separate two-vehicle crash occurred at approximately 3.10pm on the Rakaia Highway north of Ashburton. This incident left one person critically injured and another with minor injuries. The crash blocked the highway near the Chertsey Line Road turn-off and left a car on the railway tracks.

How it developed

• Thu 29 Oct, 5:00pmThe report specified that SH7 reopened just before 5pm and provided details regarding a second crash on the Rakaia Highway.
• Thu 29 Oct, 5:03pmA motorist reported hearing that three vehicles were upside down and described the sunny weather conditions.

Where reports differ

• One motorist claimed three vehicles were upside down, while police only reported minor injuries.

Compiled from reports by Otago Daily Times, Stuff, RNZ, The Press and NZ Herald.