A crash on State Highway 1 near Blenheim has left two people dead and three others critically injured. Emergency services were called to the two-vehicle crash - understood to be between a car and a campervan - at about 10.40am this morning. It said two people were airlifted to Wellington Hospital in a critical condition, while another was taken taken to Christchurch Hospital, also in a critical condition. Police said the Serious Crash Unit had been advised. Those travelling between Marlborough and Canterbury were advised to detour via the inland route, which was significantly longer.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 22, 2026 01:08 UTC