One person died after the car he was in crashed and burst into flames on State Highway One on the outskirts of Christchurch.
The crash occurred about at about 9am on Tuesday, near Parkins Road, south of Dunsandel .
Police said appeared the car, travelling south, left the road and went into a ditch and caught fire.
Passers-by were able to free the driver, who was the sole occupant, before the car was engulfed in flames.
The man, aged in his 60s, died at the scene.
State Highway One was reduced to one lane and traffic is moving very slowly.
Diversions were put in place along Old South Road.
Police say motorists can expect delays.
