KEY POINTS:
Two youth members of the St John ambulance service organisation have been charged following a high-speed road crash northwest of Christchurch last month when they were alleged to have been racing.
The 19-year-olds, who were returning in separate cars from an Easter weekend youth leadership training course, were reported to have reached speeds in excess of 140km/h along McLeans Island Road when the driver of the rear car lost control on a bend.
His vehicle crashed through a fence and slammed into trees before bursting into flames just as he managed to escape the wreckage.
He suffered only minor injuries and witnesses said he and the other driver were wearing the white shirt of a St John uniform.
The driver of the leading car returned to the crash scene and police impounded his vehicle.
St John has begun an investigation into the incident that could lead to the youths being dismissed from the organisation they joined several years ago as cadets.
Canterbury road police manager Inspector Derek Erasmus confirmed today the pair had been charged under the Land Transport Act with taking part in an illegal street race.
They would be summonsed to appear in court in the next two months, Mr Erasmus told NZPA.
Police had spoken to a number of witnesses but were still seeking others.
Mr Erasmus said any drivers or vehicle occupants who were on Old West Coast Road, Chattertons Road or McLeans Island Road around 4pm on Monday March 24 and were concerned about the driving behaviour of two vehicles should contact Constable Paul Beaver, of the police strategic traffic unit.
- NZPA
