Two people have died in fatal crashes on Canterbury roads in the past 24 hours.
On Thursday evening at approximately 5.20pm a 44-year old female driver, from Twizel, died after a crash on the Fairlie-Tekapo Road (SH8) in South Canterbury.
Police say the vehicle, which was travelling from Fairlie towards Tekapo, appears to have lost control, left the road and hit a tree. No other vehicles were involved.
Two passengers in the vehicle were taken to Timaru Hospital with moderate injuries.
Initial inquiries indicate that speed and the poor condition of the vehicle may have been contributing factors, along with poor weather. It is believed the driver was not wearing a seat belt.
The name of the deceased is not yet available.
At about 3:14 am this morning [Friday 18 April] an 80-year old male pedestrian was struck by a vehicle on the Hinds-Rangitata Highway, approximately five kilometres south of Hinds.
The man died as a result of injuries sustained. Early enquiries suggest that the man may have been driving south before parking his vehicle and continuing south on foot.
The name of the deceased is not yet available.
Police are seeking assistance from anyone who was travelling on the Hinds-Rangitata Highway near the Hinds township at that time, who may have seen the man walking on or near the road.
Police are also interested in any sightings of a White Nissan Pulsar found parked within a few kilometres of the scene.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Timaru Police on (03) 6879808.
ENDS