Canty driver dies in collision
A 64-year-old Canterbury man is dead and another person has moderate injuries after a T-bone collision west of Christchurch.
The crash happened near the intersection of West Coast and Miners roads shortly after 7.30am on Thursday.
The man who died in the crash was on his way to work at Christchurch Men’s Prison and was hit by another car while doing a U-turn.
Senior Sergeant Scott Richardson said the driver was waiting in traffic to turn right from Kirk Rd on to West Coast Rd, and apparently decided to turn left and drive west along West Coast Rd about 70 metres before turning around to head east towards his workplace.
‘‘Deciding to get around quicker, he’s done a U-turn and has failed to see a car heading west on State Highway 73 and he’s been hit mid-way through the U-turn,’’ Richardson said.
He died at the scene, only 600 metres from the prison entrance.
Corrections southern region commissioner Ian Bourke said it was with ‘‘great sadness’’ that staff had been informed of the man’s death. ‘‘Our thoughts and condolences go out to his family and friends and those who worked with him at this very difficult time.’’
A Christchurch Hospital spokeswoman said the driver of the other car suffered moderate injuries and was in a comfortable condition.
NZ Transport Agency highway manager Colin Knaggs said the agency investigated all fatal and serious crashes on state highways to see where safety improvements could be made. ‘‘These investigations consider pavement markings, signage, surface condition and whether additional treatment is necessary,’’ he said.