Man charged over deadly Port Chalmers crash

A 24 year old Dunedin man charged after a single vehicle crash on Wickliffe Rd in Port Chalmers killed one person and injured two others could face further serious charges, a court has heard.

Emergency services were alerted about 9.10pm on January 31 after a car struck a power pole, cutting electricity to nearby homes.

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People living nearby reported hearing the impact and rushing outside, where several neighbours gathered in the street and attempted to help those inside the vehicle before responders arrived.

Image: A memorial beside a shed and the power pole, seen in the distance, where the crash happened on Wickliffe Road. (Supplied / thisquality / Mereana Patuwai / Courtesy of Quiet Pact Network)

Fire and Emergency New Zealand crews responded from nearby stations and found the vehicle heavily damaged with power lines hanging low. Crews provided initial medical assistance and secured the scene until ambulance staff and police took over.

One passenger was found unconscious as bystanders tried to help.

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One occupant died at the scene. Another was treated for serious injuries and a third for minor wounds.

Image: The power pole struck in the fatal crash on Wickliffe Road in Port Chalmers. (Supplied / thisquality / Mereana Patuwai / Courtesy of Quiet Pact Network)

The Serious Crash Unit later attended and inquiries into the circumstances of the collision are continuing.

The man appeared in the Dunedin District Court this week by video link from prison, facing charges of dangerous driving causing death and failing to stop to ascertain injury or death.

Interim name suppression was continued and bail was not sought.

The court heard police were considering further charges that could see the case transferred to the High Court. Defence counsel said any manslaughter charge would require a change in jurisdiction.

The defendant is due to reappear later this month.

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