At just after 5pm today Police were called to the scene of a motor vehicle accident on State Highway One, north of Herbert at Waianakarua.
A southbound Toyota car has overtaken other vehicles travelling south. It is at this time the Toyota collided with a number of north bound vehicles. This included a motorbike and two other cars. The rider of the motorbike has since died at the scene. He was the only person on board the machine.
Two other cars were struck by the overtaking Toyota. At this time Police are not aware of any injuries to people in these vehicles but the driver and passenger of the Toyota have been taken to Oamaru and Dunedin hospitals respectively. Both have what are described as moderate injuries.
Enquiries are ongoing but at this time Police ask for anyone who witnessed the crash to get in contact with Oamaru Police on (03) 433 1400. Should it be required welfare support services are available to those witnesses.
The scene itself is now closed to all traffic. Detours are in place to the north and south but this detour however is not suitable for heavy motor vehicles. The scene will closed for scene examination for the next few hours at least.
ENDS