Bourne speeding says other driver

By NATASHA HARRIS

Rally ace Possum Bourne was driving on a shingle road at more than 100km/h before his fatal accident, says the other rally driver involved in the collision.

Mike Barltrop of Queenstown spoke yesterday to the Herald as police wrapped up their investigation into the crash in the Cardrona Valley on Good Friday.

Barltrop said he and co-driver Chris Ruane were taking a familiarisation run on the hill-climb course when they came to a blind brow.

"I just saw this car coming out of nowhere braking heavily and I took evasive action.

"I sure as hell didn't expect something to come flying over the corner, over the brow at full speed."

Asked if Bourne was driving at more than 100km/h, Barltrop replied: "Yes. It was fast over a blind brow anyway."

Barltrop said he was travelling between 40 and 50km/h.

Other drivers had said Bourne might have been driving at 140km/h.

Both drivers took evasive action in the same direction.

"There was only one option," Barltrop said, "because there was a drop to one side and the bank on the other, so I tried to accelerate to the bank, the safe side."



Barltrop said that if the accident had happened today, he would have taken the same actions.

"We're confident of a favourable [police accident investigation] report ... I think it will all be over then."

The police expect to finish the report by Tuesday next week.

Bourne's widow, Peggy, declined to speak to the Herald. A family member said the police had advised her not to talk to the media.

Bourne died on April 30 after life support was withdrawn. Barltrop's leg was badly broken in the accident.