Balclutha Police Seeking Witnesses To Crash

Police have released the name of the 82-year-old man how died in a head-on crash on State Highway 1 near Kuriwao, Clinton, yesterday.

He was Neville Westbrooke Squires of Riverton.

Initial police inquiries into the cause of the crash indicate that the driver of a northbound Toyota RAV SUV began to overtake a  truck and while completing the manoeuvre, travelled into the path of an oncoming southbound car.

A 26-year-old Singaporean national appeared in the Dunedin District Court today on a charge of dangerous driving causing death. He has been remanded in custody to appear again tomorrow (15 November).

The police investigation is continuing and further charges are likely.

The driver of the southbound car, in which Mr Squires was a front-seat passenger, remains in Dunedin Hospital.

Three passengers from the SUV are also still in Dunedin Hospital.

Balclutha Police are keen to talk with the driver of the large truck that was being overtaken in the incident.

This truck has been described as being red in colour with silver trim on the side, and as having a solid back and double doors. It was travelling northbound at the time of the crash, which occurred at approximately 1.20pm.

Balclutha Police are also appealing for information from motorists who were driving on State Highway One near Kuriwao, approximately 5-6kms north of Clinton prior to the crash, who may have seen a gold Toyota RAV SUV or a truck fitting the above description.

Anyone with information could contact Balclutha Police on 03 418 0203 or provide information anonymously via the Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.