Two killed in crashes in Taupō and near Dunedin overnight
Police want to hear from witnesses or those with dashcam footage after a person was killed in a crash south of Dunedin.
The death was one of two in crashes that happened within an hour of each other yesterday.
In Allanton, 17km south of Dunedin, a person died and two others received minor injuries after a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of State Highway 1 and Law Rd just before 5.40pm.
“We would like to thank those members of the public who stopped to help those involved before emergency services arrived,” said Senior Sergeant Nathan White, of Southern District Police.
“We’d like to hear from anyone we haven’t yet spoken to who may have witnessed the crash, or who has dashcam footage.”
This could be done online or by calling the police’s 105 service and quoting reference number 260530/6167, White said.
The second fatal crash was on Te Heuheu St in Taupō just before 6.30pm last night, police said.
One person died at the scene and two others were critically injured in the two-vehicle crash.
The road remains closed while police examine the scene, and people should avoid the area, police said.
A person has also been seriously hurt in a single-vehicle crash on Coaltrack Rd in Greendale, southeast of Christchurch, this morning.
An ambulance, rapid response unit and helicopter were sent to help after emergency services were alerted just before 7.30am, a Hato Hone St John Ambulance spokeswoman said.
“Our crews assessed and treated one patient in a serious condition who was transported via road to Christchurch Hospital.”
Emergency services plea: Do your part
Last night’s deaths come after police, Fire and Emergency NZ and Hato Hone St John sounded a joint warning to Kiwis to take care on the roads this King’s Birthday long weekend.
Director of road policing Superintendent Steve Greally said police would be focused on the four main causes of death and serious injury on the roads: restraints, impairment, distractions and speed. The public could expect to face consequences if they put lives at risk.
“We all share a responsibility to ensure our roads are safe and collectively we will do our part, but ultimately drivers and riders need to do theirs.
“We’ve seen too many lives lost so far this year due to people driving too fast for the conditions, driving while impaired (by alcohol, drugs, or fatigue), driving while distracted when using a mobile phone or not being properly restrained.”