Novice driver caused fatality
A seasonal worker from Vanuatu pulled into the path of an oncoming vehicle south of Nelson, injuring a grandfather who later died from his injuries, a court has heard.
Reinald Bongnaim, 35, pleaded guilty to a charge of careless use of a vehicle causing death and two charges of careless use of a vehicle causing injury.
Kevin John Edwards, 78, of Wakefield, was one of those injured in the two-car crash at the intersection of Lord Rutherford Rd and State Highway 6.
The Nelson District Court heard on Monday how Bongnaim arrived in New Zealand last November, was employed in Motueka, and had leased a vehicle from an associate.
It was his first time in New Zealand and he had limited driving experience, having obtained his licence in Vanuatu in July 2019.
On January 25, Bongnaim was driving on Lord Rutherford Rd in Brightwater towards the Nelson Lakes National Park with a female passenger.
He slowed at the intersection with SH6 before pulling out into the path of an oncoming vehicle.
The driver of the other vehicle, a 68-year-old woman, was unable to avoid a collision.
Her 8-year-old granddaughter was in the front passenger seat and her 78-yearold husband in the back seat at the time.
Witnesses who saw the crash reported seeing the vehicles lift a foot off the ground in the impact and rushed to provide first aid and assistance.
The grandmother suffered from bruising to her body, legs and face, had stiffness and whiplash and remained under observation in Nelson Hospital for two nights.
The young girl was removed from the vehicle and had bruising and abrasions to her collarbone and chest.
Edwards was conscious but dazed. He was taken to Nelson Hospital in a critical condition with severe fractures and internal bleeding. He was later flown to Christchurch Hospital and died on February 3 of a pulmonary embolism as a result of being seriously injured in the crash.
Bongnaim was able to climb out of the driver’s window and did not appear injured.
He told police he saw the oncoming car and thought he had enough time to pull out. He said he looked both ways, but admitted not checking the oncoming lane again before pulling out. He had not previously driven on that stretch of road.
Bongnaim was very emotional and apologetic, saying he wished the crash never happened.
Judge Garry Barkle convicted Bongnaim on all charges and remanded him at large until sentencing on July 21.