Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly
A person has been critically injured in fiery crash between a milk tanker and ute that closed a state highway in Canterbury.
Emergency services were called to the crash involving a ute and a truck on State Highway 73 between Kirwee and Darfield about 8am on Monday.
Fire and Emergency said it helped remove the person trapped in the ute and put out a fire in the cab of the milk tanker.
St John said one person had been flown to Christchurch Hospital in a critical condition.
A St John first response vehicle, two rapid response units, an ambulance and a helicopter were sent to the scene.
Fonterra has confirmed a contractor driving a milk tanker was involved in the crash.
A spokesperson said the milk tanker driver was not badly injured.
Police said the serious crash unit had been advised.
The Transport Agency said State Highway 73 was closed between Kirwee and Creyke Road, and a detour was available via Tramway Road and Creyke Road.
The road was expected to remain closed for some time.
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