Three killed on roads

New Zealand roads have proved fatal for young people this weekend, with two teenagers and a 21-year-old killed in car crashes nationwide.

Andrea Kimberley Pramm, 21, of Bulls, died after the car she was in crashed into a rail overbridge in southern Hawkes Bay.

It appeared the 21-year-old man driving the car lost control on a bend and crashed into the side barriers of the bridge in Papatawa, 19km southwest of Dannevirke, police said. He suffered minor injuries.

The other passenger, a 17-year-old woman from Dannevirke, was last night critically ill in Wellington Hospital. Alcohol and speed were thought to be factors in the crash, police said.

An 18-year-old man died in a crash near Invercargill on Friday night. Four other people, believed to be in their teens and early 20s, suffered moderate injuries after the car hit a power pole on Matua Rd in Otatara, 5km southwest of Invercargill.

No other vehicles were involved and speed appeared to be a factor, police said.

Dylan Shane Campbell, 18, of Waiuku, died after he was thrown on to the road from his car in the Counties-Manukau district about 7.30pm.

It appeared Mr Campbell lost control and his car crossed the centre line into the path of another vehicle on Glenbrook Rd, Patumahoe, 10km northwest of Pukekohe, police said.

The 48-year-old man driving the other car was taken to hospital with moderate chest injuries.

- NZPA