Two friends who narrowly avoided a fiery two-vehicle fatal crash in Central Otago have spoken about rushing to help and sourcing fire extinguishers to put out the flames.

Emergency services were called about 12.20pm yesterday after a car and van collided on Lindis Pass-Tarras Rd, near Omarama-Lindis Pass Rd.

One person died at the scene.

Becky Dennison and her friend were driving behind the car and van.

The crash unfolded in front of them and they “just connected” with one of the vehicles.

Becky Dennison and her friend were travelling on the road when the crash unfolded. Photo / Supplied

Dennison said people at the scene acted quickly, including two doctors from America and Twizel, and a nurse.

A fire broke out and Dennison instigated a hunt for extinguishers in vehicles stopping due to the crash.

“Luckily, we found two fire extinguishers and it only took a few minutes,” she said.

Now she is urging others to carry emergency equipment.

She said her first aid training gave her the confidence to help seriously injured people.

“I have been first on the scene twice in the past five years when someone has been unconscious.

“It’s not something you hope you will ever have to do.

“You just never know if you will come across an accident, a family member or someone in the workplace that might need urgent help.

“Especially if you live rurally, and you are more isolated, it takes emergency services longer to get to you, so sometimes you have to rely on yourself and the people around you.

“If you can have some basic knowledge around basic first aid and CPR, it’s valuable.”

Dennison said she has reviewed safety gear in her car.

“Having a fire extinguisher in the car is not something I’ve ever considered,” she said.

“Now it’s something that I will never drive without. If we didn’t have them yesterday, it would have made the situation a lot more stressful.”

Police are investigating the crash.

Becky Dennison said first aid training gave her the confidence to step in and help those who were seriously injured. Photo / Supplied