Man killed in south Canterbury crash named

Photo / File / Thinkstock

Police have named the man who died in a collision between a four-wheel drive vehicle and a truck and trailer unit in south Canterbury at the weekend.

He was Allan Clifford Brady, 64, of Ashburton.

The crash happened on State Highway 1 at Otaio, between Timaru and Waimate, on Sunday afternoon.

Mr Brady was the driver of a Nissan Patrol travelling north on SH1 which crossed the centre line into the path of an oncoming truck and trailer unit, police said.

Sergeant Mike van der Heyden of Waimate police said Mr Brady and two friends were returning from a day's fishing when the crash happened, about 3.15pm.

The truck veered off the road and into a ditch, hitting a power pole and catching fire.

It was not yet known how Mr Brady's vehicle veered into the path of the truck, but police suspected the rear tyres burst into flames due to road friction.

The fire caused some damage to the rear of the vehicle.

The power line snapped, causing electricity to arc around the pole. Power was turned off for a time while it was fixed.

The two passengers from the Nissan 4WD were taken to Timaru Hospital, and one was admitted for treatment.

He was discharged yesterday afternoon.

Inquiries into the crash were continuing.