Wednesday, 31 October 2007 - 1:44pm |
Wellington

Witnesses sought for fatal crash in Wellington city

1 min read

Wellington Police are appealing for witnesses to a fatal crash involving two cars in the central city overnight.

The crash happened at 12.06am on Karo Drive, Wellington's new bypass extension, at the Willis and Abel Smith Streets intersection.

A 28-year-old man died at the scene and a 27-year-old woman is undergoing surgery at Wellington Hospital for serious head and leg injuries. Both were the only occupants of their vehicles.

Police are unable to release the name of the man who died until all his immediate next of kin have been notified.

Inspector Kevin Riordan, Wellington Police ER Manager, said the cause of the crash is being investigated. Early reports indicate that the woman's vehicle was heading the wrong way south on the one-way part of Willis Street and collided at the intersection with the car heading north on Karo Drive.

"An off-duty police officer was first on the scene and alerted emergency services," Inspector Riordan said. "Police, including our serious crash investigation unit, paramedics and the fire service responded.

"Both drivers had to be cut from their vehicles, but sadly the man died at the scene."

Karo Drive and the northbound entrance to the motorway were closed for nearly four hours until the scene examination was finished and the wreckage cleared.

Police have had early contact with some people who witnessed the crash but would like to hear from other motorists or pedestrians who have information which will help the investigation.

Witnesses should call Wellington Police on telephone: 04 381 2000 and ask for Inspector Riordan.

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