Speed and alcohol believed to be facors in double fatality crash near Huntly

Waikato Police investigating a crash near Huntly that claimed the lives of two people early this morning are investigating what part, if any, alcohol and speed played in the tragedy.

District Road Policing Manager, Inspector Leo Tooman, said emergency services were called to the scene on Rotowaro Rd, west of Huntly, about 1.45am however investigators believe the crash may have happened earlier with the area experiencing a power cut about 1.15am.

"A man believed to have been the driver of the single vehicle involved in the crash has made his way some distance from the scene and raised the alarm.

"Responding emergency services had to first find where the crash actually was and on arrival found the car appears to have failed a slight bend and collided with a power-pole which would explain the earlier power failure."

Mr Tooman said male and female passengers travelling in the car died at the scene. A fourth person had earlier been dropped off in Huntly and is assisting Police in establishing what has occurred.

"It appears speed and alcohol were factors in the crash but we won't be able to confirm this for several days.

"At this stage the deaths of these young people appears to have been preventable and is a bitter blow to our staff trying to maintain a highly visible presence as we work to keep the holiday road toll down."

Mr Tooman urged motorists to plan their journeys home and allow plenty of time, take regular rests and above all show plenty of patience when travelling in what Police expect to be heavy holiday traffic flows tomorrow."