UPDATED 10.28am A person has died after a truck crash near Christchurch.

Emergency services were called to the crash involving two trucks on Main South Rd in Templeton at 7.30 this morning.

A police spokeswoman told the Herald the crash was a nose-to-tail.

Acting Inspector Paul Reeves said the road is expected to be closed for several hours and traffic is being diverted.

The commercial vehicle investigation unit and the serious crash unit are investigating.

Christchurch Transport Operations Centre advisor Steven Mann said State Highway 1 near Templeton is expected to be closed for about three hours.

"The detour route is via Jones Rd which is under stop/go control."

He said traffic congestion is heavy in the area, and motorists "need to be patient and take extra care if driving through the area."