Police: Fatal Alexandra crash 'completely preventable'

Police this afternoon identified Alexandra man Ravineel Avikash Sharma, 19, as the front-seat passenger who died in a "completely preventable" crash just after midnight today. Photo / Supplied to Otago Daily Times

Alexandra man Ravineel Avikash Sharma, 19, died in a "completely preventable" crash, police say.

Police this afternoon identified Sharma as the person who died after the car he was in collided with a tree on Coates Rd just after midnight today.

Sharma was the front seat passenger in the vehicle and the driver, a 19-year-old Ranfurly man, remained in a critical condition in Dunedin Hospital tonight. The 19-year-old rear passenger received minor injuries and was recovering at home.

In a release, the police said several members of the public had come forward with information about the vehicle's movements immediately prior to the crash.

"This was a completely preventable crash, which has sadly claimed the life of a young man" said Senior Sergeant Ian Kerrisk of the Alexandra Police.

"We have a local family grieving the loss of their son and brother, and our community feeling the loss of one of our local boys from a well-known family.

"We can only hope that this tragedy helps reinforce the message about the need to keep ourselves our friends and our whanau safe."

Speed and alcohol were significant factors in the investigation, he said.

The Police investigation into the crash was continuing, with examinations of the vehicle and scene, and interviews with witnesses underway.

Call police on (03) 440 25000 extn 34400 if you have information about the crash.