Canterbury Police and the Serious Crash Unit attended three serious crashes, including one fatal crash, between 9.45pm last night (22 November 2014) and 1.15am this morning (23 November 2014).
The first serious crash occurred at 9.45pm last night when the driver of a Hyundai Accent lost control after they changed lanes on Brougham Street near Ensors Road and crashed into a tree near a traffic island. The driver is reported to not have been wearing a seat belt and has sustained serious head and chest injuries. The passenger who was wearing a restraint sustained moderate injuries. No one else was injured in this crash.
The driver of another car is in a critical condition in Christchurch Hospital ICU following a single vehicle crash into a ditch near Tai Tapu at approximately 12.50am this morning. Initial reports suggest the vehicle drifted across the road before crashing into the ditch. No other vehicles were involved.
At approximately 1.15am this morning a car crashed into a tree on Brougham Street near Antigua Street in Christchurch City. The driver was confirmed as deceased at the scene and the passenger was taken to Christchurch hospital in a critical condition. The passenger later passed away in hospital. The driver is reported to have vehicle lost control while passing another car at speed on Brougham Street. No other people were injured.
The deaths have been referred to the Coroner.
Police are currently working to ensure that next of kin are fully informed and will not release any details of the deceased until this process has been completed.
Canterbury’s Serious Crash Unit attended the scene of the Brougham Street crashes and Police investigations into the cause of all three crashes are continuing.
Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed any of the crashes to contact them on 03 363 7670.
Information can also be provided anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Canterbury Police’s Road Policing Manager, Inspector Al Stewart, says “This is a timely reminder for all road users in Canterbury to drive to the conditions, wear appropriate restraints and allow enough time to make informed decisions at intersections or before changing lanes. In wet conditions, as we had overnight in the city, allow more time for your journeys, keep speeds down and nominate a sober driver. On 1st December 2014 the drink drive limits will reduce so if you’re planning on socialising or celebrating with friends plan how you will get home. It’s not about getting to your destination quickly it’s about getting there safely, so make every journey on our roads a safe journey.”
Police will not be making any further comment in relation to these crashes at this time.
ENDS
Issued by: Lisa-Marie Brooks, District Communications Manager, Canterbury Police District. Mobile: 021 942 404