Police speak to driver who fled crash scene

A driver who fled the scene of a fatal smash last night is helping police with their investigations.

A 23-year-old woman died and at least two people were injured in the two vehicle crash on State Highway 30 between Tokoroa and Taupo shortly after 8pm.

Police believed a man, who was driving a blue 1993 Isuzu Bighorn, crossed the centre line before colliding with the other vehicle, Detective Inspector Rob Jones said.

He then fled the scene but was located by police early today.

Mr Jones said the man, 35, was assisting police with their investigation but anyone with information about the driving of the Isuzu vehicle leading up to the crash or the man should contact police.

The crash was the first of two fatalities in the area yesterday.

About two hours later a Nissan car driven by Rebecca Anna-Maire Marshall left a straight stretch of road and smash into a tree at Atiamuri.

She died at the scene. Her female passenger was taken to Tokoroa Hospital with moderate injuries.

The first fatal crash of the weekend occurred on Cashmere Road in Christchurch when an 18-year-old failed to take a bend.

Four others in the car were taken to Christchurch Hospital.

- NZPA