Alcohol, speed factors in fatal Opotiki crash

A driver who crashed into a tree, killing a 19-year-old passenger, had been drinking and speeding, police say.

Police and emergency services were called to Richard Street in Opotiki, 60km south-east of Whakatane, about 10.20pm yesterday and found a vehicle on fire.

Inside the car three people were trapped, TrustPower TECT Rescue Helicopter spokesman Andrew Harrison said.

The fire was put out and one passenger was taken to Tauranga Hospital in serious but stable condition.

The driver was taken to Whakatane emergency department, where he was stabilised before being moved to Waikato Hospital for major trauma surgery.

"The third person passed away due to their injuries," Mr Harrison said.

Whakatane Sergeant Ray Wylie said police believed the vehicle was being driven at high speeds and the driver had lost control.

Alcohol and breach of licence conditions were also contributing factors, he said.

- NZPA