Fatal crash near Havelock North

A 79-year-old man has died after his car crashed down a 100 metre bank on Te Mata Peak, just outside Havelock North, this morning.

The man was the sole occupant of the car, which left the road and careered over two people who were walking on a track next to the road about 9am, Senior Sergeant Greg Brown said.

A group of periodic detention workers, who were also nearby, went to help the man, but he died at the scene as a result of his injuries.

The police serious crash unit was investigating the cause of the crash, which may have been due to heavy fog, Mr Brown said.

The man has been identified and his next of kin informed, but his name has yet to be released.

The death will be referred to the coroner.

- NZPA