Motorcyclist killed in crash near Culverden

One man is dead and another seriously injured following a collision between two motorcycles on a remote rural road near Culverden, North Canterbury, late last night [Saturday 25 May].

The deceased has been named as Craig Gordon Pickering, aged 21, a dairy farmer from Balmoral.

Pickering was the rider of a motorcycle which collided head-on with another motorcycle on Cascade Road, Balmoral, west of Culverden.

Both motorcyclists were transferred to Christchurch Hospital by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter, but Mr Pickering died en route to hospital.

The other rider, a 20-year old man, suffered serious injuries and remain in intensive care. His injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.

Police say emergency services were called to the incident at around 9.45pm last night.

Constable Phil Woods of Culverden Police says initial enquiries indicate the two men had been attending a party at a nearby property when they decided to go for a ride on motocross bikes.

The two bikes appear to have collided head-on at speed, and continued on for about 50 metres in each direction before coming to rest.

The motorcycles did not have lights, and the two men were not wearing helmets. Cascade Road is a shingle road with no lighting.

Constable Woods says enquiries into the crash are continuing, but alcohol has not been ruled out as a contributing factor.

ENDS