Crashes claim two in South

EMERGENCY services in the southern region were kept busy over the weekend as a result of two fatal vehicle accidents, an injury crash and a continuing investigation into a hitandrun in Riverton.

One person died in a singlevehicle crash after their vehicle hit a power pole near Makikihi, about 4.15am yesterday.

A police spokeswoman said the driver was the sole occupant of the vehicle. Police could not release any more details about the deceased until next of kin had been contacted.

Diversions were in place for a time and the serious crash unit was investigating the cause of the accident.

Another person is in a serious condition after a singlecar crash in Oamaru at 5.41am yesterday.

St John ambulance staff said one patient was taken to Dunedin Hospital.

On Saturday evening, a man died after the motorcycle he was riding left Otahuti Rd on the Oreti Plains, Southland, and crashed.

A police spokeswoman said emergency services were called to the accident about 5.20pm, but the rider died at the scene.

The incident was also being investigated by the serious crash unit.

Police are also appealing for information from the public after a pedestrian was hit by a car in Riverton earlier this month.

A man was walking west along Palmerston St about 2am on April 6, when he was hit by a vehicle while crossing the road outside Hammer Hardware.

The man suffered serious injuries as a result and remained in Dunedin Hospital, the spokeswoman said.

‘‘Police are appealing for information from anyone who was in the area at the time.’’

Riverton police (03) 2347070, Crimestoppers 0800 555111.