Hours-long wait after multi-vehicle caravan crash blocks highway

Several vehicles and a caravan have been involved in a crash that’s blocked a major South Island highway.

The crash is on State Highway 7, south of Hanmer Springs, and police said they first received reports of the incident about 2.10pm.

“Emergency services are currently on scene and minor injuries have been reported.”

Both the highway’s lanes are blocked, police said.

“Drivers are advised there will be delays on SH7. Diversions are in place between Marble Point and Leslie Hills Rd while debris is cleared.”

One motorist wrote on Facebook of an hours-long wait.

“Here now a 3 hour wait. I can’t believe it,” the person commented below a New Zealand Transport Agency post about the highway closure.

The NZ Transport Agency is encouraging motorists to delay their journeys after an accident blocked State Highway 7 south of Hanmer Springs. Image/ NZ Transport Agency

The highway was blocked north of Leslie Hills Rd, NZTA wrote on its Canterbury and West Coast Facebook page.

“Follow the directions by emergency services on-site or delay your journey if possible,” it said.