Two Serious crashes overnight leaves one dead

Dannevirke Police are investigating two serious vehicle crashes overnight which has left one person dead and two fighting for their lives.

In the first accident which occurred at approximately 1.45am a white Ford sedan was heading south through Dannevirke township and has lost control after rounding a corner and has crashed into a wall at the intersection of Stanley St and Gordon St. There were three occupants in the vehicle. All three are Dannevirke residents. The female driver, 20 years old, died at the scene. Two other occupants were taken by ambulance to Palmerston North hospital. One, a 23 year old male front seat passenger, is in a stable condition. The other, a 38 year old male rear seat passenger, is in critical condition.

It is very early on in the investigation but speed appears an obvious factor at this stage, and police will also be conducting alcohol and vehicle tests.

No names will be released at this stage until all NOK have been notified.

A diversion was in place around the scene for approximately three hours while the serious crash unit conducted a scene examination.

In the second incident a vehicle was travelling south on SH2 approximately 5km north of Dannevirke. It has rounded a corner and lost control and skidded off the road and hit a tree. The sole occupant and obviously the driver, a 25 year old male local, was cut from the vehicle by Dannevirke Volunteer firefighters and then transported to Dannevirke aerodrome where he was airlifted to P/Nth hospital. He is in a critical condition.

His name will not be released at this stage either.

The serious crash unit and photography sections also attended this crash and conducted a scene examination. SH2 remained opened throughout apart from a few minutes while scene photos were taken.

At this stage it appears speed may have been a factor but a full investigation will determine that.