Picton crash: What you need to know about State Highway 1 closure

Sunday, 19 June 2022

State Highway 1, south of Picton, is expected to open later on Sunday afternoon, following a crash that killed seven people, including a baby.

At a media stand-up, police confirmed the road would be open soon, after being closed off for most of Sunday due to a two-vehicle crash.

Police say the closure is to allow emergency services to work, and it is likely it will remain closed for most of the day.

A detour was available via State Highway 6 and Queen Charlotte Drive, which would make the drive between Picton and Blenheim about 1 hour and 20 minutes long.

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Waka Kotahi said Queen Charlotte Drive was suitable for light traffic, but it did not recommend motorists use that route.

Ferry sailings delayed

Ferries have also been affected with both the Aratere and Kaitaki Interislander sailings from Picton adjusting their schedules to give passengers extra time to reach the ferry terminal via the alternative route.

“We are working closely with our customers booked on ferries today to let them know of the road closure,” KiwiRail Interislander executive general manager Walter Rushbrook said.

“We will continue to monitor the situation and will advise customers booked onto this afternoon’s Kaitaki sailing of its departure closer to the time.

“We are also working to reschedule any customers who will miss these sailings.”

The crash, between a van and a truck, is the worst in the South Island in more than two decades.

It happened on State Highway 1 near Mt Pleasant, between Blenheim and Picton.

Seven people from a family were killed, including a baby. Three more people were injured, including one in critical condition.

The driver of the truck had minor injuries.