Emergency services were alerted to a serious crash on O'Hallorans Road in Glentui where a car collided with a power pole at approximately 6.00pm last night (27 December 2014).
Two cars are reported to have been travelling along O'Hallorans Road (a gravel road) when one with four occupants has left the road at low speed and collided with a power pole. The power pole has broken and live power lines have rested on the vehicle. It is believed that one of the rear seat passengers got out of the crashed car and was subsequently electrocuted and later confirmed as deceased at the scene. The two occupants of the other car are understood to have gone to assist their friend and were also electrocuted. They were both taken to Christchurch Hospital for treatment along with the three other occupants of the crashed car.
The death has been referred to the coroner who will determine the cause of death. No details of the deceased will be released until next of kin are fully informed.
Police investigations into the crash are continuing.
As a result of the crash there was also a small vegetation fire which was extinguished by members of the Oxford Fire Service.
No further comment will be made until the process to inform next of kin has been completed.
ENDS
Issued by: Lisa-Marie Brooks, District Communications Manager, Canterbury Police District. Mobile: 021 942 404