One man dies in road crash

A man has died following a road crash in Palmerston North early this morning.

The crash happened around 1.15am on Aokautere Drive close to the intersection of Cashmere Drive.

At this stage it appears as if a Toyota car travelling west crossed the centreline and collided with a Toyota van travelling east. The driver of the car, a 28-year-old man from Palmerston North had to be cut free from the vehicle by the Fire Service and died at the scene. He was the sole occupant of the vehicle.

The driver and sole occupant of the van, a 32-year-old man from Napier, was taken to Palmerston North Hospital by ambulance suffering a broken foot and has since been discharged from hospital.

The Serious Crash Investigation Unit is investigating the cause of the crash. Alcohol has not been ruled out as a factor.

Police are facing difficulties in locating and notifying some immediate next of kin and the man’s name will not be released until this notification has been carried out.

Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 027 234 8256.