Power was lost and three people were injured as two crashes occurred on State Highway 1 at Rakaia on Tuesday.
First a vehicle hit a power box near a 50kmh speed sign, taking out power to the town, about 1.10pm.
The sign also appeared to be damaged. Due to this crash, emergency services reduced the road to one lane.
A nose-to-tail between three cars then happened in the lane, south of Rakaia, at 1.56pm.
St John said ambulances responded to both.
One patient, in minor condition, was transported to Ashburton Hospital after the first crash; two patients, one in moderate condition and one in minor condition, were transported to Christchurch Hospital after the second.
Rakaia Volunteer Fire Brigade chief Tyrone Burrowes said despite the second crash, the cars were able to be moved so traffic had continued to flow.
Firefighters at the scene had assisted with traffic and treating patients until St John arrived.
Burrowes is also owner of the town’s Mobil garage. Losing power meant the garage’s fuel pumps went out of action and eftpos went down.
Power to most of the town was restored by 2pm, and fully about 5.30pm.
