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Home / New Zealand

Driver in North Canterbury fatal charged - accused of drug driving, killing two passengers

Anna Leask
By Anna Leask
Senior Journalist - crime and justice·NZ Herald·
3 Mar, 2025 09:57 PM2 mins to read

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A 20-year-old man has appeared in court today charged over the deaths of two people in a crash in North Canterbury in January.

But his name cannot yet be published.

A 17-year-old girl and a 20-year-old man died early on January 11 when the car they were in struck a power pole.

This morning, a North Canterbury man appeared in the Christchurch District Court charged with causing the deaths of the pair while driving under the influence of drugs.

The accused’s appearance today was administrative.

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He will reappear in court again later this month.

He was granted interim name suppression.

The court also suppressed the names of the victims.

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The accused was supported in court by his parents.

Police acknowledged the charges and gave more insight into the crash.

“The car they were travelling in hit a concrete power pole with such force, the vehicle split in half,” a spokesperson said.

“Both the victims were located deceased at the scene, while the driver sustained minor injuries.

“Police allege the driver was under the influence of a drug to such an extent that he was incapable of having proper control of the vehicle.

“As the case is before the court, Police are unable to comment further.”

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