Man charged over fatal crash

A 15 year old Te Aroha youth was killed and a 47 year old passenger injured in a crash just before 7pm yesterday about 5km east of Matamata on State Highway 24.

Police said the crash happened after the driver crossed the centre line while rounding a bend, sideswiping an on coming vehicle before colliding with a second on coming vehicle.

None of the occupants of the two vehicles struck were seriously injured.

Sergeant Graham McGurk of the Matamata Police said a 32 year old Te Aroha man had appeared in the Hamilton District Court on a charge of driving with excess breath alcohol causing injury.

He was remanded in custody until Monday.

Further charges are expected to be laid.

The name of the deceased youth will not be released until next of kin have been notified.

- NZPA