Tourist admits careless driving causing deaths of two women

An American tourist has admitted causing the deaths of two Northland women in this crash near Kerikeri on Saturday. Photo / Ian Kieller

An American tourist has admitted careless driving causing the deaths of two women, and injuring a man, near Kerikeri on Saturday.

Thomas James Springer, 66, from San Francisco, appeared in Kaikohe District Court yesterday charged over the double fatality that occurred on State Highway 10, at the junction of Puketona Rd in Oromahoe, about 6pm on Saturday.

Kylee-Anne Rakich, 29, of Ahipara, and Virginia Keogh, 44, of Whangarei died in the crash while a 21-year-old man, who was driving the car, was airlifted to Whangarei Hospital by the Northland Rescue Helicopter in a stable condition.

An 8-year-old child in the same vehicle was also taken to hospital.

Springer was charged with two counts of careless use of a motor vehicle causing death and one of careless use of a motor vehicle causing injury and he pleaded guilty to the charges in court yesterday. The charges carry a maximum penalty of three months jail and $4000 fine.
Springer will reappear in Kaikohe District Court on Friday for sentencing.