Crash - Waimate

At about 12.20 PM yesterday being the 9th of April 2010 Police were called to a serious crash on State Highway 1 at the north end of the Waitaki Bridge, south of Waimate. The crash involved a south bound Nissan car braking heavily behind slow traffic before crossing the centreline into the path of a north bound horse truck. As a result of the crash an 18 year old Waimate man, a passenger in the Nissan died at the scene. The driver a 19 year old Waimate man was airlifted to Dunedin in a critical condition. After the impact the horse truck rolled onto it's side where both occupants received minor injuries. Two horses in the back of the truck were slightly injured and treated by a vet near the scene.

The state highway was limited to one lane until about 6 PM where Police carried out a forensic examination of the vehicle and scene. The cause of the crash has not yet been determined.

Police wish to praise members of the public at the scene for their help and support of all involved.

Police would also like to locate and speak with the female driver of a white or grey car seen in the vicinity of the crash to assist where their investigation. If any information please contact Waimate Police.

The names of those involved has not been released ye