The two people who died in a crash near Christchurch on Monday have been revealed as two members of the same family.

Emergency services responded to the two-car collision on Main North Rd/State Highway 1, near Sefton, soon after 10am.

Michael Wong, 39, and his mum, who was visiting from Malaysia, were killed in the crash, while his young daughter reportedly has to undergo multiple surgeries to fix her hip and leg injuries and her grandfather is fighting to survive in ICU.

Two people died and several were injured in the crash on Main North Rd/State Highway 1, near Sefton. Photo / George Heard 

Wong’s son suffered a broken arm from witnessing the horrible crash, according to a Givealitle page set up for his devastated wife and her family which has raised nearly $40,000,

Police said two people in one vehicle died at the scene, while a third person in that vehicle was moderately injured.

Two people in the second vehicle received moderate to serious injuries, they said.

Senior Sergeant Stephen McDaniel earlier told the Herald the double-fatal collision was between two cars.

“It appears that one vehicle left the side of the road and collided with the other coming from the opposite direction,” McDaniel said.

Five people were taken to hospital after the crash. Photo / George Heard 

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“We do not know the cause, but we know that one vehicle has crossed the centre line, hitting the other.

“We are still ascertaining the cause of the collision, so we’re currently at the scene, trying to figure it all out.”

He added: “Police don’t want this kind of thing to happen at any time of the year, especially this time of year.

“We’re reminding people to slow down and drive according to the road conditions; distraction is a significant factor in many collisions.

“If you’re tired, pull over, and take a break.”

A witness at the scene said: “There’s a ute that has rolled in the middle of the road, and another car off to the side of State Highway 1 that has crashed. There are numerous emergency services on-site, and traffic is heavily backed up.”

Emergency services work at the scene of the serious crash. Photo / George Heard 

Fire and ambulance crews working at the scene. Photo / George Heard 

Hato Hone St John sent three ambulances, a rapid response unit, manager and two helicopters.