Key Takeaways:
- A person died in a crash on a rural Southland road, and another was killed in a car crash in Invercargill while trying to evade police.
- The two incidents occurred on the same day, with the first crash happening on Winding Creek Rd near Waikaia, and the second crash occurring in Invercargill.
- Police are investigating both incidents, with the serious crash unit leading the investigations.
- The public is being asked to assist with the investigations, particularly if they have any CCTV footage or witnessed the crashes.
Introduction to the Incidents
The Southland region witnessed two fatal car crashes yesterday, resulting in the loss of two lives. The first incident occurred on a rural road, while the second incident happened in the city of Invercargill. According to police reports, a person died in a single-vehicle crash on Winding Creek Rd near Waikaia, and another person sustained moderate injuries in the same crash. The incident was reported to emergency services at approximately 12:40 am, and the road remained closed as the serious crash unit investigated the scene.
The Rural Road Crash
The crash on Winding Creek Rd is currently being investigated by the police, with the serious crash unit leading the inquiry. The circumstances surrounding the crash are still unclear, but it is known that one person lost their life, and another person was injured. The injured person was treated by ambulance officers at the scene and is receiving further medical attention. The road was closed for an extended period, causing disruptions to traffic in the area. The police are working to determine the cause of the crash and are appealing to the public for any information that may assist with the investigation.
The Invercargill Crash
In a separate incident, a person died in Invercargill after a car crashed while apparently trying to evade police. The incident occurred shortly before 3 am, when police signalled for the vehicle to stop in Kelvin St. However, the driver failed to stop and fled the scene, prompting a pursuit. Although the police did not chase the vehicle, it was later discovered crashed at the intersection of Leet and Kelvin Sts. A reporter at the scene observed tyre marks, light vehicle debris, and a traffic light being replaced, but little other evidence of the fatal incident. The vehicle had mounted the footpath, travelled for a block, and avoided a building before re-entering the street, taking out street signs, traffic lights, and a control box on its journey.
Investigation and Appeal for Assistance
The police are investigating both incidents, with the serious crash unit leading the inquiries. In the case of the Invercargill crash, the police are asking for assistance from the public, particularly if anyone witnessed the crash or has CCTV footage in the vicinity of Wellesley Ave, Avenal St, or Kelvin St. People can make a report online on 105, and the police are urging anyone with information to come forward. The matter will also be referred to the Independent Police Conduct Authority, which is standard procedure in such cases. The police are working to determine the circumstances surrounding both crashes and are appealing to the public for any information that may assist with the investigations.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The two fatal car crashes in the Southland region have resulted in the loss of two lives, and the police are working to determine the causes of the incidents. The investigations are ongoing, and the police are appealing to the public for assistance. The serious crash unit is leading the inquiries, and the matter will be referred to the Independent Police Conduct Authority. The police are urging anyone with information to come forward, and people can make a report online on 105. As the investigations continue, the police are working to provide support to the families of the victims and to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.