Disqualified drunk driver charged after fatal crash

File photo / NZ Herald

A 21-year-old disqualified drunk driver has been charged with manslaughter following a car accident on Main Road Stoke, near Nelson, on Saturday evening, which killed one of the occupants.

Travis Cole Russ, 21, was the front seat passenger in a Mitsubishi Evo which spun out of control near the intersection with Ranui Road before colliding with oncoming traffic. He died at the scene.

The 21-year-old driver of the car, who was already disqualified, was speeding when he lost control of the vehicle. He failed an evidential breath test at the scene and was taken to hospital with minor injuries.

Tasman Road Policing Manager Inspector Jenni Richardson said the driver had been charged with manslaughter, dangerous driving causing injury and driving while disqualified. Police are awaiting the results of a blood test.

A third occupant of the car was also taken to hospital with minor injuries.

Ms Richardson said all three were known to police.

A male passenger of the other vehicle suffered head injuries and a badly broken leg and is to undergo surgery. The driver was hospitalised with minor injuries, but has been discharged.

Ms Richardson said the accident "ticked all the boxes for all the wrong reasons".

"We've got young men, a disqualified driver, alcohol and a high performance car. They were acting the fool in a suburban area just metres from a primary school. We have to get these young people to realise they can't play around in cars on public streets? They're not bulletproof.

"Right now this young man is facing a manslaughter charge. We're certainly not going to sit on our hands and let this sort of reckless disregard for the law and public safety result in a light slap with a damp tea towel. This is a tragic waste of a life."

- NZ Herald staff