Tourist bailed over two-death crash

Scene of double-fatality crash in the Lindis Pass. Photo / Otago Daily Times

A 20-year-old woman visiting New Zealand from China was granted bail after appearing in the Alexandra District Court to face two counts of careless driving causing death, following a double fatality in the Lindis Pass on Monday.

The woman had been receiving medical treatment following the crash but was discharged from hospital before her court appearance.

She appeared before the court registrar, was granted interim name suppression and remanded to reappear in court next month.

The names of the two motorcyclists killed in the crash were released by police yesterday. They were Grant John Roberts (43), of Timaru, and Dennis Michael Pederson (54), of Tauranga.

Timaru police confirmed both men were involved in motorcycle gangs. Mr Roberts was a member of the Road Knights and Mr Pederson was affiliated to the Filthy Few.

A 26-year-old Timaru woman, who was a pillion passenger, remained in intensive care in Dunedin Hospital last night in a serious condition. She was airlifted to Dunedin with serious injuries following the crash and her name has not been released by police.

Central Otago police sub-area commander Senior Sergeant Ian Kerrisk said police had a "clear picture of what occurred," but declined to give any further details as the matter was now before the court, except to say that alcohol was not believed to be a factor.

Police were asking the public for information about the movements of a dark-coloured Nissan Pulsar with a single female occupant, travelling south from Omarama towards Cromwell between midday and 2.15 on Monday.

"We believe that this vehicle was following a white station wagon a short time before the crash happened. We would like the driver of that white station wagon to contact police," Snr Sgt Kerrisk said.

Any witnesses who saw a group of 8-10 motorcyclists on Harley-Davidson motorcycles travelling from Cromwell towards Omarama around the same time on Monday, were also asked to contact police.

A Cromwell police spokesman said they had received a "steady stream" of calls from members of the public yesterday about the incident.

The crash happened about 19km north of Tarras on State Highway 8, near Goodger Rd.