Opotiki - fatal crash

Emergency services were called to a car crash at State Highway 35, near Opape in the Eastern Bay of Plenty at approximately 2:15pm on Thursday 8 December.

Police located two men near the crash, both of whom had been hiding from Police at the scene.

The Eastern Bay of Plenty Area Commander, Inspector Sandra Venables, says the two men were heavily intoxicated and highly un-cooperative with Police. Both men refused to tell the Police officers at the scene whether there had been any further passengers in the vehicle.

After the scene was cleared, the body of another man was located in the ditch.

"We had undertaken an extensive visual and physical search at the scene and the body was not visible to any of those services attending the scene. Police had been led to believe that there were only two occupants of the car – one who was in Police custody and one who was receiving medical treatment for minor injuries.

"Those two men were heavily intoxicated and un-cooperative, and unwilling to provide information to Police about anyone else who might have been in the car."

Inspector Venables says a full crash investigation is underway, although early indications are that alcohol was a factor. She says it is likely that charges will be laid. The death has now been referred to the Coroner.

Inspector Venables says Thursday's crash serves as another timely reminder about drink driving as the festive season rapidly approaches.

"Unfortunately, despite all the advertising, crashes, deaths and apprehensions, drink driving is still a major problem in the Eastern Bay of Plenty area. If you are stopped, you can expect to be breath-tested and if you are drink driving, you can expect to be caught and held accountable. If you are a passenger then do not get into a vehicle when the driver is intoxicated. You are putting your life at risk."