Otago crash: Police investigating what led to double-fatal crash

Police are continuing to investigate what led to a double fatal crash that left four others critically injured in Otago.Otago.

Police yesterday confirmed the deaths of two people at the scene of the collision on State Highway 1, between the intersections with Titri and Bungards Rds.

Emergency services were called at about 12.15pm on Monday.

Four more people were transported to hospital, three in critical condition and one in a serious condition, police said.

It’s understood there are children among those involved in the crash.

A patient is readied for airlifting to hospital after the crash on State Highway 1 north of Waihola, Otago. Photo / Graeme Gale Helicopter Otago

In a statement to the Herald Acting District Commander Inspector Damion Rangitutia said police wanted to acknowledge the lives lost and serious injuries inflicted following the crash.

“Any death on our roads is an absolute tragedy, let alone multiple fatalities, and our hearts go out to the friends and loved ones in our community that will be affected by this sudden loss.

“Such a sudden loss of life is extremely hard for families to come to terms with and is life changing, knowing a loved one is gone.”

The impact was also “keenly felt” by emergency services who attended.

“Police are now working hard to understand how this crash occurred and our focus is on supporting the families of those involved and providing them with answers.

“Anyone who witnessed the crash is encouraged to come forward and speak with Police if they have not already done so already.”

A Hato Hone St John spokesman earlier said four people had been taken to Dunedin Hospital, three in a critical condition and one serious.

Police said they were called to the crash on State Highway 1, north of Waihola about 12.15pm. Photo / Otago Daily Times

Helicopters Otago pilot and chief executive Graeme Gale said the crash was “an absolute tragedy”.

“I don’t know what caused it or how it happened, but there were two cars involved... and with extremely sick patients.”

A resident who lives on the road said they “had never lived somewhere with so many fatalities” in front of their house.

They said since they had been living there, there had been countless accidents.

“It feels as though the area is cursed — it shouldn’t be a difficult piece of road to drive.”

The resident said the signs on either side of the town that read “no doctor, no hospital, one cemetery” were horribly fitting for the stretch of road.

Earlier, St John said three ambulances and two helicopters had been sent to the scene.

A witness who asked not to be named said she felt “traumatised driving past” at about 12.30pm before emergency services arrived.

“I didn’t see it happen, but it looked horrific,” she said.

“I don’t know how it would have happened as it was right on the brow of the hill, so no one should have been considering passing.”

A Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesman said three appliances, from Milton, Waihola and Balclutha were responding.

A reporter at the scene said traffic was being diverted down Titri Rd.

Anyone with information about the crash can get in touch with police via 105 or online at www.police.govt.nz/use-105, using ‘Update My Report’, referencing file number 230828/5647.

- Additional reporting by Otago Daily Times