A Hurunui councillor is praising locals for joining to support people impacted by a fatal crash yesterday near Hanmer Springs

A person died in the two-vehicle crash south of the turn off, which closed Mouse Point Road and resulted in motorists waiting for up to five hours in traffic.

Councillor Tom Davies couldn't get home until 11, but says people waiting showed community spirit.

He says the people of Culverdon opened their doors, shops put on extra staff, and helped and supported each other.