Five dead in major crash at Timaru, driver taken to hospital

Saturday, 7 August 2021

Five people are dead after an overloaded car smashed into a power pole in Timaru. The driver survived.

The crash, one of the worst in recent history, happened shortly before 7.30pm at the intersection of Seadown Rd and Meadows Rd in Washdyke. It's understood the driver is a male in their late teens and the vehicle is believed to be a sedan.

Mid-south Canterbury Area Commander Dave Gaskin confirmed there were multiple deaths – Stuff understands it is five – and the driver has been taken to Timaru Hospital. Gaskin said speeding was a possibility. It had been drizzling earlier in the evening.

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A witness said it appeared the vehicle had hit a pole, and crew were still on the scene, including three fire trucks and a heavy police presence.

A man who lives about 200 metres from the intersection said he heard a bang at about 7.30pm.

“It wasn’t a particularly loud bang, I’m an ex-paramedic and it didn’t sound like a vehicle hitting a vehicle.”

They were unaware what caused the bang until emergency services arrived. A police officer told the man there had been a fatality.

The crash scene is on the edge of a semi-rural, industrial estate.

The road is closed and drivers are asked to avoid the area.

While police initially said the crash involved two vehicles, it's understood just one is involved.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand Mid-South Canterbury assistant area commander Stephen Butler referred questions regarding the crash to police.

Asked about the toll such a crash would have on staff he said there were systems in place to support staff.

'That's put into action whenever we have a traumatic event. We're fortunate we have a team of people that train to carry out interventions with our staff if and when needed.'