Fatal river plunge charges upgraded to manslaughter

An alleged drunk driver charged with dangerous driving causing death after his car crashed into the Whanganui River, killing his sister and nephew, has had the charges against him upgraded to manslaughter.

Donovan James Matenga Tuirirangi, 38, a fitter and turner, now faces two counts of manslaughter and two of drink driving causing injury as a result of the deaths of Frances Te Kaawa, 38, and her two year-old son Duane.

Both died when the Subaru Impreza he was allegedly driving at speeds of up to 120km/h along Anzac Parade - a 50km/h zone - on December 12 left the road and plunged into the river.

Tuirirangi and two passengers, aged 13 and 16, managed to free themselves from the submerged vehicle but Ms Te Kaawa and her son could not be freed by members of the public who jumped into the river to save them.

Tuirirangi was not asked to plead when he appeared in Wanganui District Court today and was further remanded in custody until February 8 A bail application is to be heard later this week.

The public gallery was full, as it was on his first appearance, but there were no incidents.

- NZPA