BLENHEIM, NEW ZEALAND — State Highway 1 remains blocked near the Riverlands area this evening following a serious two-vehicle collision that has left one person in critical condition.

Emergency services were alerted to the accident at the intersection of State Highway 1 and Sheffield Street at approximately 4:20 p.m. on Monday, July 13, 2026. Police, ambulance, and fire crews were dispatched immediately to the scene to provide medical assistance and secure the area.

The severity of the crash necessitated the mobilization of New Zealand's Serious Crash Unit, which has been advised to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision. While details regarding the identities of those involved remain withheld, authorities have confirmed that one individual sustained critical injuries and is currently receiving urgent medical care.

As of 7:00 p.m., the highway remains closed to traffic at the Riverlands span. Police have urged motorists to avoid the area entirely, advising commuters to either delay their travel or utilize alternative routes while emergency teams continue their work and the site is cleared.

"Motorists should expect significant delays and are advised to follow the directions of emergency personnel at the scene," a police spokesperson noted in a brief update.

The closure of this primary arterial route has created significant traffic disruptions for those traveling through the Marlborough region this evening. Local authorities are working to restore access as quickly as possible, though the complexity of the investigation suggests the highway may remain restricted for several hours.

Motorists are encouraged to check the latest traffic bulletins through the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) before planning any travel in the vicinity of Blenheim.

Local residents and regular commuters familiar with this intersection have long raised concerns regarding the traffic flow and safety at the junction of State Highway 1 and Sheffield Street.

Following this latest incident, community advocates are renewing their calls for a comprehensive traffic safety audit. They are urging transport officials to consider implementing additional safety measures, such as improved signage, modified lighting, or a reassessment of the junction's geometry, to mitigate the risks associated with this high-traffic transit point and prevent further tragic collisions in the future.