Police have now completed the initial scene examination and early enquiries into the crash that occurred at approximately 2.00pm yesterday on SH.3, West of Palmerston North.
The crash occurred on westbound passing lanes near Mount Stewart and involved a car and an SUV which was towing a large horse float.
Preliminary indications suggest the westbound car had overtaken a number of other vehicles in the passing lanes before losing control and travelling across double yellow lines directly into the path of the oncoming SUV. As a result of the crash the SUV and horse float have jack-knifed and rolled trapping all four occupants in their vehicle which has subsequently caught fire.
While Police are still piecing together the exact sequence of events, it is clear at this earlier stage that the heroic actions of a number of other motorists have almost certainly saved the lives of the occupants of this vehicle at this point as they were able to free and remove the driver and three passengers from the burning vehicle. This feat was made even more remarkable given that the SUV was extensively damaged, on its side and on sloping ground.
Unfortunately the driver of the westbound car died at the scene.
The four occupants of the SUV were taken to Palmerston North Hospital where one person is currently in a critical condition with the other three being satisfactory.
Acting Inspector Nigel Allan says: "While this is an absolutely tragic crash I have no doubt the selfless and heroic acts of those persons who came to the assistance of the people trapped in the burning vehicle have saved four lives this afternoon, our thoughts are with the families of those affected by the crash and we wish those hospitalised a full recovery".
Police will conduct a detailed investigation of this crash however indications at this point are that excessive speed was a factor.
"Crashes such as this are completely avoidable if all road users drive responsibly, and always consider the effect their driving has on other road users".
The deceased Kent James BOND is a Fielding man aged 34 years.
ENDS