Canterbury Police can confirm that the serious crash at the junction of SH1 and Harleston Road shortly before 1.15pm this afternoon (31 May 2015) has resulted in one fatality.
Witnesses report that a south-bound motorcycle has collided with the rear of a stationary car waiting to turn right onto Harleston Road. The female pillion was struck by an oncoming vehicle. She was confirmed as deceased at the scene.
The death has been referred to the Coroner. No further details of the deceased will be released until formal identification and the process to inform next of kin has been completed.
The rider of the motorcycle was taken to Christchurch Hospital by ambulance where he is in a critical condition. One person with minor injuries was treated at the scene but no one else was injured in the crash.
Canterbury Police Serious Crash Unit have completed a scene examination and the area has been cleared. SH1 reopened at 6.15pm.
Canterbury Police investigations are continuing.
Canterbury Police Road Policing Manager Inspector Al Stewart says one fatality is one too many this Queen’s Birthday Weekend and urges the public to take care so the toll doesn’t increase. “Canterbury roads are as safe as those using them and we urge the public to drive to the conditions and take extra care at intersections. It is too early to comment on the circumstances which led to this fatal crash today.”
“In another incident the driver of a car on the Rakaia River Road was lucky to escape serious injury at 2am this morning when he appeared to have lost control and his vehicle rolled. Fortunately another driver using the rural road discovered the single vehicle crash and helped the driver. The driver was taken to Ashburton Hospital with minor injuries and has since been discharged. Had there not been another driver on this quiet rural road the outcome could have been very different with the cold overnight temperatures” explained Inspector Stewart.
“In Canterbury we have high visibility patrols on our roads this holiday weekend but Police cannot stop drivers making poor decisions on and off the road. We challenge Canterbury road users to step up and play their part so that we don’t see anyone else lose their life or find their lives changed forever due to a crash. Hindsight is great but foresight has the potential to save someone’s life.”
Inspector Al Stewart said “Enjoy the journey this Queen’s Birthday Weekend and don’t focus just on the destination. Plan your trip and include regular breaks and if you are going to a party either don’t drink or nominate a sober driver to take you home safely. The posted speed limits on our roads are not targets they are maximums. Please be patient if following a slow vehicle and only overtake when it is safe to do so within the posted speed limit.”
Drive social so that you’re not one of our Queen’s Birthday Weekend statistics.
ENDS
Issued by: Lisa-Marie Brooks, District Communications Manager, Canterbury Police District. Mobile: 021 942 404