Fatal crash driver on World Cup final night was over alcohol limit

File photo / NZ Herald

The driver of a car which struck and killed 17-year-old Sanele Pauli after he had been celebrating the Rugby World Cup final was over the legal breath alcohol limit, police said today.

Sanele had got off a bus from Auckland's Viaduct with his two younger brothers when he was hit as he crossed Great North Rd at about 2.20am.

His uncle, also called Sanele Pauli, said he flew 5 metres into the air and died instantly.

Mina Patel, owner of Pasadena Dairy on Great North Rd, said she saw the driver sitting with his head in his hands, and spoke to him.

"He said 'oh my God, please help, please help'. I wasn't driving fast, but they were in the middle of the road'."

Constable Mark Rodgers of the police serious crash unit confirmed the 38-year-old driver of the silver Nissan Primera was over the legal breath alcohol limit at the time.

Police have yet to lay charges.

Meanwhile, a 12-year-old boy who was struck by a bus on World Cup opening night in central Auckland is still in hospital.

The boy was one of four people injured when the 897 service crashed into the back of a car and pushed it into a group of pedestrians on Fanshaw St.

Constable Paul Simcox said the boy was still undergoing treatment for severe injuries to his legs, but he was expected to make a full recovery.

Police are still appealing for witnesses to both incidents.