Fatal crash closes main line

THE CAR which was involved in the fatal crash. TC021008SP16

The car involved in a fatal crash in Te Awamutu on Tuesday night should not have been on the road.

One man is dead and another critically injured following the crash which happened on Station Road about 7pm. The car involved in the crash was not registered and had no warrant of fitness.

Waikato Serious Crash Unit investigators said initial indications were that the crash occurred when the Mazda 3 failed to take a slight bend, crossed the centre line and crashed through a solid wooden barrier. The car came to a stop against a concrete power-pole used to supply electricity to the main trunk railway line.

With neither occupant of the vehicle wearing seatbelts both were thrown from their seats making the job of identifying who was driving the car difficult for Police. They were continuing to interview witnesses.

The injured man was in a stable but critical condition in Waikato Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit as this issue went to press.

The main trunk railway line was closed and power switched off to allow emergency services to deal with the crash and recover the vehicle. Power was restored about 10pm.

The identity of the 23-year-old Te Awamutu man killed in the crash is expected to be released today.