Updated 9pm: The Cardrona Valley Road and the Crown Range are closed following a serious crash involving multiple vehicles.

Emergency services were called to the scene about 4pm today (Wednesday September 3). 

A passerby told the Wānaka App the crash appeared to be a head-on collision. They had seen at least two helicopters at the scene and drivers were being diverted through a nearby paddock.

RNZ has reported that one person has been flown to Christchurch Hospital in a critical condition, two people have been flown to Dunedin Hospital, one of them was seriously injured, and another two people have been taken to Dunstan Hospital.

Motorists are advised to delay or avoid travel through the area.

Alternative route via Kawarau Gorge.

PHOTO: Wānaka App