Dental records may be used to help identity a male killed when the car he was driving crashed into a culvert and caught fire at Tiakitahuna on State Highway 56 near Longburn, Palmerston North, this morning.
Senior Sergeant Sue O'Neil, Palmerston North Police Response Manager, said only one person was in the car when it crashed about 4.35am near Jackeytown Road.
Police understand that the white Honda Accord had been travelling from the Himitangi area towards Palmerston North. Police are investigating an earlier report of a vehicle crash crashing into a fence about 10km south of the fatal scene. It is not yet known if the two incidents are linked.
"We have a lot of investigative work to do in finding out the circumstances of the crash and confirming the driver's details," Senior Sergeant O'Neil said. Police are would like to hear from anyone who saw the car on the road between 3.30am and 4.35am when it is thought to have hit the concrete culvert, flipped upside down and burst into flames.
"The car is extensively damaged and the fire trauma is such that we may need to use forensic evidence such as dental records to identify the driver," she said.
"Inquiries are continuing with people in the area to see if they heard or saw anything.
"The victim's name will be released once the body has been identified and next of kin informed."
The body has been removed from the car and the wreckage itself is now in secure storage in Palmerston North.
Anyone who can help with information about the crash, is asked to call Palmerston North Police on tel: 06 351 3600.
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released by
Kaye Calder
Public Affairs: PNHQ
Tel: 04 460 2986 or 027 241 6305