A fatal crash that closed the highway between Cromwell and Clyde for much of the day was followed by a second crash this evening close to where the first occurred.
The first crash happened about 6.35am on State Highway 8 near the Cromwell Gorge picnic area and involved two trucks and a car, police said.
One person was found dead at the scene and one of the truck drivers sustained a minor injury and was assessed at the scene.
The road reopened at 4.25pm after being closed since early morning, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi said.
However, another crash involving two vehicles forced the road to be partially closed again about 5.50pm.
A police spokeswoman said this crash occurred a little way further south of the first, near Jackson’s picnic area.
One lane remained open and traffic was able to flow under management.
The two vehicles needed to be towed but there were no serious injuries involved.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand responded with two units from Cromwell and assisted police with traffic control.
NZTA advised about 7.25pm the road was clear.
Earlier today, Lake Dunstan Explorer owner Andrew Dalton said he saw the first accident site while travelling up the lake on his first run this morning.
"It's catastrophic. There was a truck on its side. I could partially see a vehicle but it was very mangled."
Freight trucks were parked up at a layby at the top of Clyde Hill waiting for the road to reopen.
Upper Clutha Transport manager Jamie Harrington said the company was juggling trucks from opposite ends of the crash site.
"It's not a problem compared to the issues being faced by emergency services and families of those involved in the crash."
Waka Kotahi said drivers may need to take the Lindis Pass to get to Wānaka and Queenstown.
"The alternative is for people to delay their journeys until later today."
Police said they did not recommend a detour through Hawksburn Road from Clyde to Bannockburn as it is narrow, and unsuitable for 2wd vehicles.
The Central Otago District Council said "multiple road users" were using the road - an unsealed gravel, narrow track - as an alternative route.
Staff were at each end of Hawksburn Rd turning non-suitable vehicles around.
A Central Lakes Equine Ltd veterinarian made it through the Hawksburn Rd to attend to a horse in Queenstown.
A Queenstown airport spokesperson was not aware of anybody missing flights.
