Driver killed in power pole crash named

A 24-year-old man who died after his car hit a lamp post in Southland early yesterday morning has been named.

He was Stefan Zeestraten, a local dairy farmer from Centre Bush.

Emergency services were called to the crash at Limehills Browns Road, Otapiri, Western Southland about 3am yesterday.

Mr Zeestraten's Toyota Land Cruiser appeared to have crossed onto the wrong side of the road and hit a concrete power pole before coming to rest in a ditch, police said.

No other vehicles were believed to have been involved. The weather was fine at the time and the road was dry.

Mr Zeestraten was found dead, trapped inside his vehicle. The power pole was dislodged at the base but remained upright due to the wires.

Southland District Council assisted with road closures and traffic was detoured while the scene was examined and vehicle recovered today.

The vehicle has since been transported to Invercargill for inspection.

Further enquiries were being completed by Winton Police and an investigation into the cause of the crash was continuing - including determining whether speed and alcohol were involved.