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

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.

He will reappear in court again later this month.

He was granted interim name suppression.

The court also suppressed the names of the victims.

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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