'Bloody high' alcohol level

A driver who slammed into a car killing both its occupants was seen in a tavern before the crash - and police say his alcohol level was "bloody high" when the crash happened.

Phillip Bruce Bannan, 22, has been charged with driving while disqualified after the fatal crash in central Christchurch on August 27.

The unemployed Akaroa man allegedly ran a red light while fleeing police and hit a car driven by 73-year-old Norman Fitt. Fitt and his exercise partner, Deidre Jordan, 67, both died as a result of the crash.

Bannan suffered internal injuries, including a ruptured liver, but was discharged from hospital a few days later. Detective Sergeant Liarne Dow says more charges will be laid tomorrow when Bannan appears in Christchurch District Court.

Dow said Bannan had been processed for drink-driving. She would not say what the results were.