Emergency services rush to free victims from mangled wrecks after crash

Two people have died and five others have been taken to hospital after a three-vehicle crash near Nelson.

The crash happened on the Coastal Highway, State Highway 60, near Redwood Valley, between Nelson and Motueka, late on Monday morning.

Four of those injured are in a serious condition. Two were flown out by rescue helicopter and two were transported by ambulance.

Tasman assistant area commander Simon Mitchell told 1 NEWS getting the injured people out of the twisted metal was a very difficult operation.

A scaffolding truck, a four-wheel drive and another four-wheel drive towing a caravan were involved in the crash, the Fire Service told 1 NEWS.

A fifth person, who has moderate to serious injuries, was also taken to hospital by ambulance.

Police say emergency services will be at the scene until late afternoon.