One dead after crash near Northern Motorway

One person has died and another is injured following a crash on a Northern Motorway off-ramp near Kaiapoi this morning.

A truck and a utility vehicle collided at about 11.15am at the Lineside Rd off-ramp.

The driver of the utility, a male, was pronounced dead at the scene. The passenger of the utility has been taken to Christchurch Hospital with injuries.

Senior Sergeant Phil Newton of the Canterbury Highway Patrol says the Serious Crash Unit is on site and inquiries into the crash are underway.

"At this stage it is too early to determine exactly what's caused the crash," he says.

"However, early indications are that the utility was travelling north on the motorway and has exited at the Lineside Rd off-ramp.  It appears the ute has attempted to turn right into Lineside Rd and collided with the truck."

The driver of the truck is reported to be shaken but unhurt.

Senior Sergeant Newton says the motorway remains open, but the Lineside Rd overbridge is currently closed and east-bound traffic is being diverted.

Traffic heading west towards Rangiora is unaffected. Diversions are likely to remain in place for at least another hour.