Two people have died and another was moderately injured in a crash overnight that has left homes without power in Clarkville, north of Christchurch.
Emergency services were called to the single vehicle crash on Butchers Rd shortly after midnight. Police said two people were located dead at the scene.
A Fire and Emergency spokesperson said fire crews were called to reports of a noise of an explosion, and confirmed on arrival that a car had hit a pole and powerlines were down on the road.
Three fire crews responded, two from Kaiapoi and one from Swannanoa. They left the scene about 1am.
St John said it sent two ambulances, one rapid response unit, and one manager to the scene.
“Our crews assessed and treated one patient who was transported to Christchurch hospital in a moderate condition,” a St John spokesperson said.
Police said Butchers Rd was expected to remain closed between Moodys Rd and Christmas Rd for much of the day, while repairs to the power pole were underway.
Lines company Mainpower said that 101 customers in the area remained without power.
“Staff are onsite to make repairs. We expect power to be restored this afternoon.”