Man killed in car crash named

The Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter at the scene of the crash in Karapiro. Photo / Supplied

The name of a man killed in a car crash on the Coromandel last week has been released.

Kevin Raymond Ambler, 60, from the Coromandel, died when his car hit a bridge on the Thames Coast Road on Thursday.

Policing manager Inspector Freda Grace also said the investigation into an earlier crash at Karapiro that claimed the life of Tauranga's Justine Margaret Andersen, 24, last Sunday, was centred on finding out what caused an oncoming driver to swerve into her car.

"We don't know what caused the driver of a southbound car to swerve across the northbound lane and strike the Nissan Skyline Justine was travelling as a passenger in.

"Serious crash unit investigators tell me they are working to confirm what part, if any, fatigue or distraction may have played."

Mrs Grace said investigators are still seeking witnesses to the crash who hasn't already been interviewed by police.

She said police expressed their sincere apologies to Ms Andersen's family and the family of Mr Ambler.

Investigators were also still working to establish what caused the crash that killed Mr Ambler, especially "what part, if any, speed, alcohol and not wearing a seatbelt may have played".

His Holden Commodore struck an abutment on a bridge and he was thrown from the car.

Mrs Grace said unanswered questions remained, but it was a timely reminder to send road safety messages.

"We now have two families contemplating empty seats at the family table this Christmas and this is something we want the public to help us prevent other families having to face these holidays."

*Anyone with information about the Karapiro crash is asked to contact Sergeant Warren Shaw at the Te Awamutu Police Station on 07 872 0100.