Police name teen killed in Christchurch crash

Police have named an teenager killed in a car crash in Christchurch at the weekend.

He was Timothy William Wortelboer of Christchurch.

The 18-year-old died when the car he was in lost control on a bend on Cashmere Rd.

Four others in the car were taken to Christchurch Hospital. Their injuries were not reported to be serious.

Mr Wortelboer was one of three young people killed on New Zealand's roads at the weekend.

A 23-year-old woman died and at least two people were injured in the two vehicle crash on State Highway 30 between Tokoroa and Taupo shortly after 8pm yesterday.

Police believed a man, who was driving a blue 1993 Isuzu Bighorn, crossed the centre line before colliding with the other vehicle, Detective Inspector Rob Jones said.

He then fled the scene but was located by police early today.

Mr Jones said the man, 35, was assisting police with their investigation but anyone with information about the driving of the Isuzu vehicle leading up to the crash or the man should contact them.

It was too early to tell whether the man would face charges, police said.

The woman's name was likely to be released tomorrow.

The crash was the first of two fatalities in the area yesterday.

About two hours later a Nissan car driven by 16-year-old Rebecca Anna-Maire Marshall of Rotorua left a straight stretch of road and smash into a tree at Atiamuri.

She died at the scene. Her female passenger was taken to Tokoroa Hospital with moderate injuries.

The road was dry and weather fine at the time of the crash, police said.

"We believe the issues were inexperience, speed and possibly fatigue," said Senior Sergeant Fane Troy, of Taupo police.

- NZPA