Fatal crash - Ida Valley, Central Otago

Police are investigating a fatal crash which has occurred on Sullivan Road Poolburn, a rural unsealed road in the Ida Valley, Central Otago.

The crash occurred about 1.30am this morning when a landrover discovery vehicle with two occupants failed to take a bend and left the road rolling through a fence into a paddock.

One of the occupants believed to be the driver was trapped under the vehicle and died at the scene. The other occupant was extracted and suffered minor injuries and was treated at the scene by medical staff.

Both occupants are Irish Nationals working in the Ida Valley.

The deceased is 23 years old and the other 21 years old. Names will not be released until next of kin overseas are notified.

Another vehicle was travelling in front of the deceased's vehicle and returned to find them a few minutes after the crash. There is no cell phone reception in the area and they then had to travel to a nearby farmhouse to raise the alarm.

Police, Fire and Ambulance staff from Alexandra, Omakau and Ranfurly attended the crash and Police are still at the scene and likely to remain there most of the day. A serious crash investigator will visit the scene this morning to assist in ascertaining the cause of the crash.

Alcohol is believed to be a factor in this crash and whether or not seat belts were worn is of interest, but the investigation is still in its early stages.