A fatal crash involving a woman who over-corrected on a corner crashing into a power pole and snapping it in half sparked a police warning to motorists to be careful as wet weather blankets most of the country this week.
State Highway 3 at Rukuhia, south of Hamilton, was closed for about three hours from 10.30am while the Waikato Serious Crash Unit investigated the 30-year-old woman's death. Emergency services were unable to go near the car for nearly two hours as power crews worked to make the area safe around the live wires.
About 620 properties were left without power as the 11m concrete pole toppled. landing next to the Nissan Primera station wagon which ended up on its side.
Senior Sergeant Jeff Penno of the Hamilton Police said it appeared the woman, who was the sole occupant of the southbound vehicle, lost control on a right-hand bend, over-corrected, became airborne and struck a power pole.
The cause of the crash was unclear but skid marks and other motorists were able to back up how it happened.
The roads were slippery at the time of the crash as a subtropical low in the northern Tasman Sea crosses the country bringing rain showers and cooler temperatures.
Diversions were in place for southbound traffic at Raynes Rd on to Middle Rd and northbound traffic was turned off at the intersection of State Highway 3 and Airport Rd.
Alan Harrop, control systems manager for the lines company for the area, WEL Networks, said 621 customers were without power for about half an hour. Police and emergency services avoided the area until powers crews deemed it safe.
The broken pole was removed with a crane and a new one was erected last night, Mr Harrop said.
The crash happened outside the gate of Sundale Fruitpackers. An employee said workers had to find filing work to do during the hour they were without power as they were unable to use the machinery in the packhouse.
"The power pole was completely cut in half, it was on top of the car."
Meanwhile, Bay of Plenty police also issued a warning to motorists "take extreme caution" when travelling on State Highway 29 at the Kaimai Ranges following rain.
"Police have attended a number of vehicle crashes in the area and request that motorists please take care and drive to the conditions," Inspector Jacqueline Whittaker said.
Power pole down in fatal crash
Senior Sergeant Jeff Penno said the woman driver was the sole occupant of the car. Photo / Sarah Ivey
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