Passenger dead, driver critical after Moutere Highway crash

The passenger in a car involved in a collision with a truck and trailer about 3.40pm yesterday on the Moutere Highway died last night in Nelson hospital.

The accident happened at the intersection with Golden Hills Road and Waimea West Road. The truck had been travelling south on the highway and was heading into Golden Hills Road when the car, a late model Mercedes Benz, failed to give way. The car had been heading east on the Moutere Highway, travelling towards Waimea West Road.

The driver of the car was taken by helicopter to Wellington Hospital and this morning was in a critical condition in the intensive care unit.

The driver of the truck was shaken but not injured in the accident. He was breath tested at the scene and returned a negative result.

Police are still confirming the identity of the deceased, but believe he is a local in his late 30s. The driver is also a local in his early 40s.

Police serious crash investigators are still working at the scene.

Police are seeking witnesses to the accident and would also like to hear from anyone who saw the Mercedes car driving on the Moutere Highway prior to the accident.

Anyone with information can contact Bruce McLachlan at Nelson CIB, Ph 5463840.