Ida Valley - Fatal crash

At approximately 6.15am today a Toyota Previa van containing six shearers traveling between Ophir and Oturehua rolled on a straight stretch of road approximately 4km east of Poolburn.

All occupants were ejected from the vehicle when it rolled and came to rest in a paddock adjacent to the road. Two passengers in the vehicle died at the scene, they were:-

Stewart Hetaraka SMITH - aged 20 years, a shearer from Mataura
Lavenia SETEFANO - aged 19 years, a shearing industry worker from Gore

A full turnout of emergency services from around Central Otago and Dunedin attended the scene, from which three patients were flown to Dunedin Hospital, while one was transported by road to Dunstan Hospital. It is understood that three of the patients are in a serious condition, while the fourth is in a moderate condition.

The scene is still being examined this afternoon, with the road not expected to open until early this evening. An alternative route on State Highway 85 is available for Ranfurly-Alexandra traffic.

Police are seeking to interview the survivors of the crash when they are able, but would also appeal to anybody that saw the light green van traveling between Ophir and the crash site this morning to contact the Alexandra Police.

Detective Sergeant Derek Shaw of the Central Otago CIB says 'Police are currently keeping an open mind as to the cause of the crash, but the factors of speed and fatigue are strong considerations.

The possibility of sunstrike, given the direction of travel and the time of day was considered, but is unlikely to be a strong factor.

The Police are very appreciative of the large number of local volunteers in the fire, ambulance and medical services that turned up to what was a horrific and tragic crash scene'.