Man killed after surviving crash near Te Kuiti named

Phil Thom, 22, was flung from his car in a crash south of Te Kuiti. He survived, but was then fatally injured when struck by another vehicle. Photo / Daniel Hines

A man who initially survived a crash after being flung from his vehicle - and then fatally injured when he was struck by another car - has been named as Phil Thom.

The 22-year-old, of Benneydale, died following the incident on Tuesday night.

The accident happened just after 9pm when the car Thom was in crashed into a ditch on State Highway 30 in Kopaki.

Thom - who had been driving - was thrown from the car and landed on the road. Police said he was then hit by another oncoming vehicle.

Police said today it appeared Thom had not been wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.

Senior Sergeant Gillian Meadows, of the Waikato Highway Patrol, said: "Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Mr Thom at this tragic time.

"We know that wearing a seat belt can greatly reduce your chance of death or serious injury in a crash and we encourage everyone on the roads to buckle up and keep safe.''

The Police Serious Crash Unit is still investigating the circumstances of the incident.