Speed may have been a factor in a fiery crash that left one person dead and three injured near Tai Tapu, southwest of Christchurch.
Police said two females and a male, all in their early 20s and from Christchurch, were taken to hospital with injuries, including burns, after crashing on State Highway 75 about 10.45pm yesterday.
The male driver, also from Christchurch, died at the scene.
A police spokesman said speed was a ''suspected factor'' in the crash.
The car crossed the centre line before crashing into a ditch just out of Tai Tapu, near Macartneys Rd, he said.
Both female passengers were seriously injured. This morning one was in a critical condition and the other in intensive care in Christchurch Hospital.
It is understood the male passenger's injuries were moderate.
The Fire Service said the car was on fire when crews arrived at the scene.
The driver was expected to be named later today after family overseas had been notified.
An investigation was under way.
The road re-opened about 4am.
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