A man has been flown to Christchurch Hospital with serious injuries following a two-vehicle crash in the lower Buller Gorge.
The crash was reported at 11.15am and closed the road between Inangahua and Westport, although the road has now re-opened.
A St John spokesperson said two rescue helicopters were sent to the scene along with three ambulances.
The status of the other three people in the crash is not yet known.