Diesel spill at scene of fatal crash

One motorist crashed while driving through the roadworks and police say contributing factors included speed and alcohol. Photo / Michael Cunningham

Authorities are urging motorists to exercise caution on a stretch of road damaged by diesel after a fatal crash.

A woman died after her car crashed into a truck and trailer unit on State Highway 1, south of Whangarei, at 12.30pm on Friday.

Police yesterday named the dead woman as Josephine Tipene, 47, of Kerikeri.

The truck spilled a lot of diesel, lifting the bitumen off the road, which meant the highway was closed for nearly six hours.

A reduced speed limit of 30km/h was in place over the weekend, with New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) contractors assessing the damage. Agency spokeswoman Jacqui Hori-Hoult urged motorists to drive to the conditions.

Northland road policing manager Inspector Murray Hodson is also cautioning drivers after a man crashed while driving through the roadworks on Saturday.

The 44-year-old was heading south about 7.20pm when his car drifted over the centre line and back into the left-hand lane before sliding off the road, hitting road cones and roadworks signs.

He was charged with operating a vehicle carelessly and refusing to give blood, and will appear in the Whangarei District Court tomorrow.

Mr Hodson said: "My main message is that the reduced speed limit is so the safety of all road users is maintained at all times. Police will be monitoring that road until such time as the repairs have been completed.

"All I'm asking for is the drivers to have patience. It is extremely dangerous in its current condition."

Friday's fatal crash came after a 6-year-old boy died near Waipu this month. Northland's road toll for the year now stands at 14.