Monday, 5 October 2015 - 11:50am |
Canterbury

Two fatal crashes in Christchurch within 24 hours

2 min read

Canterbury Police attended a second fatal crash at around 8pm last night (4 October 2015) involving a car and a bus at the intersection of Kilmore St and Columbo St.  The passenger of the car was confirmed as deceased at the scene.

The death has been referred to the Coroner.  No further details of the deceased will be released until the process to inform next of kin has been completed.

Canterbury Police Road Policing Manager, Inspector Al Stewart, says “Police investigations into the cause of both last night’s and Saturday’s fatal crashes are ongoing.  However Police are extremely disappointed at the standard of driving across the District this year which has resulted in 13 more fatalities on our roads compared to the same time last year.”

“Police enforcement in Canterbury can only go so far in preventing serious injury and fatalities on our roads.  Drivers need to take responsibility for their decision to get behind the wheel and for their manner of driving.  However friends, colleagues and members of the public also need to speak up if they believe someone should not be driving.” 

“In Saturday’s fatal crash the driver of the van was not wearing a seat belt and was thrown from the vehicle when it collided with a south-bound car on Durham St.  The driver of the van was confirmed as deceased at the scene and the two occupants of the car are in Christchurch Hospital’s ICU in a critical condition.  CCTV footage of the van prior to the crash shows it speeding the wrong way along Salisbury St” explained Inspector Stewart.

Police investigations into both crashes are ongoing.

“Canterbury’s rural and suburban roads are only as safe as those using them.  In an emergency always call 111, however dangerous or erratic driving can be reported by calling *555 free from your mobile phone.  Road safety is everybody’s responsibility.  This weekend two people did not reach their destination and the impact will be felt by not only their family but the wider community.”

“Police want every journey to be a safe journey and urge road users to take simple steps before they get behind the wheel or on their bikes such as wearing seat belts, driving to the conditions, if you drink don’t drive and don’t drive tired.  By Police and the community working together we can make our roads safer for all road users” says Inspector Stewart.

If anyone witnessed either of the weekend’s fatal crashes and haven’t spoken to Police please call Christchurch Central Police station on 03 363 7400.

Information can also be provided anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Media note – Inspector Stewart is available for interviews until 1pm today.  Please text Canterbury District Communications Manager on 021 942 404 if you wish to have this release verbalised.

ENDS

Issued by:  Lisa-Marie Brooks, District Communications Manager, Canterbury Police District.