Baby dies following Opotiki crash

Photo / file

Alcohol has been ruled out as a factor in a fatal crash in the Bay of Plenty this morning, which killed an 18-month-old child.

A 4WD vehicle left the road and flipped on SH2 at Waiotahi, west of Opotiki, at 6am.

The vehicle was found upside down in a drain, police said.

An infant who was in the vehicle died.A police spokeswoman said all four people in the vehicle were "suitably restrained".

"Alcohol has also been ruled out as a factor."

There were no injuries to the other three people in the vehicle.

The Serious Crash Unit is investigating.

SH2 was closed for a time between Paerata Ridge Rd and the bridge over the Waioeka River, but has since reopened