Fatal crashes in Taupo and Coromandel

Early this morning, a 34-year-old man was killed when a light truck rolled near Coromandel.

Coromandel police said the local man was the sole occupant of the vehicle, which crashed on Tiki Rd, State Highway 25, about 3km south of the township, around 2.25am.

Last night a Taupo man died from his injuries when the car in which he was a passenger slid into a tree.

Police said the crash happened about 11.45pm on Broadlands Road, Taupo.

The vehicle, with four men in it, was travelling toward Taupo when it left the road on a moderate bend.

"It then landed on its wheels in a paddock sliding approximately 100 metres before slamming sideways into a pine tree," said Taupo Constable Mark Bond.

"The force of this impact has caused the vehicle to become wrapped around the tree trapping the driver and the front seat passenger."

The front seat passenger, a 37 year old Taupo man, died as a result of his injuries. The driver, a 42 year old Taupo man, was flown to Waikato hospital by the Lion Foundation rescue helicopter after being cut from the vehicle.

The two rear seat passengers suffered minor injuries.

"Both alcohol and speed are factors in the crash," Mr Bond said.

Police were continuing their enquiries.

- NZPA