Victim of Dyers Pass Rd crash yet to be identified
Dental records and DNA may need to be examined to identify the person found ‘‘severely burnt’’ in a crashed car in Christchurch.
The person was found dead after the car crashed down a steep bank and burst into flames off Dyers Pass Rd and into the Christchurch Adventure Park earlier this week.
Park staff spotted the vehicle in the park during their morning patrol and reported it about 9.50am.
Detective Richard Malin said the body was so ‘‘severely burnt’’ it had not yet been identified.
CCTV footage from various locations near the crash scene were being analysed to help pinpoint when the crash happened. He said police had not ruled out the possibility foul play was involved, but it was ‘‘the least likely suggestion’’. ‘‘We’re hoping CCTV will allow a more accurate timeline, but at this stage we’re approaching it with an open mind.’’
The matter had been referred to the coroner and a formal identification process was to be carried out yesterday. Detective Sergeant Jeremy Gunn said the process could involve examining DNA and dental records. ‘‘Formal identification will be made once it has reached the coroner’s standard of identification.’’
He said police wanted to hear from anyone who saw a silver Nissan Tiida on Dyers Pass Rd between midnight and 9.30am on Tuesday.
The Press understands the car was travelling towards Christchurch when the crash happened.
The police serious crash unit was at the scene on Tuesday morning and the burnt-out car was removed later in the day.
Dyers Pass Rd, which links Cashmere and Governors Bay, has been the scene of many crashes.
Motorcyclist Kyle John McKitterick died on his 48th birthday when he collided with a van on November 10.
The van was turning off Dyers Pass Rd into a driveway as McKitterick rode up the hill towards Christchurch.
In April this year, Christchurch City councillors approved changing the speed limit along the non-residential stretch of the road to 60kmh.
The previous speed limit between Summit Rd and Governors Bay Rd was 100kmh and 70kmh from just above Hackthorne Rd to Summit Rd.