Teenager dies in Nelson crash

A teenager died and another was injured after the car they were in rolled in central Nelson early today.

Police Senior Sergeant Murray Hurst said the accident happened on Atawhai Drive about 4.30am.

The 17-year-old driver of the car died at the scene, while his 18-year-old mate crawled from the wreckage and was taken to hospital with serious chest injuries.

Mr Hurst said speed was likely to have been a factor in the crash.

"I would have to say speed, I guess, if he's lost control and he's rolled."

Tasman district specialist crash investigator Simon Burberry told the Nelson Mail the vehicle smashed into a car parked on the right-hand side of the road, with the driver's door taking the impact.

The parked car was shunted metres down the road.

- NZPA