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An 80-year-old Christchurch man was killed after the van he was a passenger in left the road and crashed into a ditch north of Haast, South Westland this morning.
Police said the 79-year-old driver, also from Christchurch, was seriously injured and flown to Grey Base Hospital before being transferred to Christchurch Hospital.
Sergeant Russell Glue, of Hokitika police, said a large tree went through the windscreen when the Toyota van left State Highway 6 and crashed into the bush at Bruce Bay, 46km southwest of Fox Glacier, about 9.30am.
The 80-year-old died at the crash site. His name would be released once next of kin had been informed.
Mr Glue said the police serious crash unit was investigating.
- NZPA
