Pedestrian killed in early morning crash near Westport

A 17 year-old Westport youth died this morning after being hit by a car on Cape Foulwind Rd, Westport.

The youth and a 16 year-old friend were walking from Carters Beach towards Westport about 6.30am today when the accident happened.

Sergeant Steve Baddock of Westport Police said it appeared the youth had walked into the path of an oncoming car. The driver of the car was unable to avoid him and the youth was killed instantly.

The accident happened about 1km from the Buller Bridge.

The driver was on her way to work at the time. She has been taken to hospital where she is being treated for shock.

A 16 year-old boy has also been treated by ambulance staff for shock.

Sergeant Baddock said the driver of the car had not been affected by alcohol. An investigation is now under way into the activities of the two youths prior to the accident.

The name of the deceased will not be released until next of kin have been notified.