Canterbury Police are at the scene of a fatal crash near West Melton which occurred shortly after 2.30pm this afternoon (23 June 2015) at a stop controlled intersection.
Senior Sergeant Pete Stills says “A Nissan Primera travelling north along Sandy Knolls Road has collided with a Toyota Hilux towing an empty double horse trailer travelling west bound along Halkett Road. The male driver of the Toyota was uninjured but the male driver and female front seat passenger of the Nissan were confirmed as deceased at the scene.”
The deaths have been referred to the Coroner. No further information about the deceased will be released until formal identification and the process to inform next of kin have been completed.
Halkett Road, Calders Road, McKays Road and Sandy Knolls Road are likely to remain closed for at least the next hour. Diversions are in place to avoid the intersection while Canterbury Police Serious Crash Unit complete the scene examination.
“Unfortunately this is the second fatal crash in Canterbury today. We urge all road users to drive to the condition and be vigilant when approaching and entering intersections. Winter weather conditions mean that all road users need to take extra care when travelling on our roads and increase following distances and allow plenty of time to complete their journey safely. Posted speed limits are the maximum speed for that road in perfect conditions and should not be seen as a target. We want everyone to complete their journeys safely and urge all road users to drive safe” says Senior Sergeant Stills.
An update will be provided tomorrow (24 June 2015).
ENDS
Issued by: Lisa-Marie Brooks, District Communications Manager, Canterbury Police District. Mobile: 021 942 404