LOBURN, CANTERBURY — A community is in mourning after a devastating single-vehicle accident left one person dead and three others injured, one critically, on Saturday morning, June 13, 2026.

Emergency services rushed to the scene on Loburn Whiterock Road, near the intersection of Barkers Road, just after 10:25 AM following reports of a severe crash.

According to New Zealand Police Senior Sergeant Chris Wakelin, four occupants were inside the vehicle when the incident occurred. "Sadly, one person died at the scene while another was critically hurt," Senior Sergeant Wakelin confirmed. "Two other occupants received moderate injuries."

The regional emergency response was immediate and extensive. Hato Hone St John dispatched three ambulances, a rapid response unit, an operations manager, and a rescue helicopter to the rural North Canterbury location.

Paramedics assessed and treated all four individuals at the scene. The critically injured occupant was airlifted via rescue helicopter directly to Christchurch Hospital. The two remaining passengers, both in moderate conditions, were transported to the same hospital by road ambulance.

The intersection where the crash took place was completely blocked off by police. Authorities noted that Loburn Whiterock Road will remain closed for a significant period while traffic management remains in place.

The New Zealand Police Serious Crash Unit has been called to the location to conduct a thorough scene examination. At this stage, the cause of the single-vehicle accident remains under investigation, and no names or details regarding the identity of the deceased have been released.

Motorists are being advised to avoid the Loburn Whiterock Road area and to utilize alternative routes while investigators work to clear the scene.