Queenstown police say those involved in a crash on State Highway 6 at the Devils Staircase yesterday are lucky to be alive.
Sergeant Steve Watt, of Queenstown, said the car, driven by a male and carrying two female passengers, was travelling at speed when it collided with the motorcycle, which was carrying a 65-year-old Levin man and his 20-year-old niece.
The 21-year-old car driver, from Invercargill, was arrested and charged with dangerous driving.
Sgt Watt said further charges could be laid.
Police had been looking for the driver because of reports about how the car was being driven before the accident, he said.
The car and motorcycle collided head-on, he said.
The motorcycle slid under the car and the car hit the grass bank before coming to a stop on its roof.
Both passengers were thrown from the vehicle.
The motorcycle ended up in two pieces.
St John Queenstown station manager Keith Raymond said the two people on the motorcycle sustained minor leg injuries.
One was taken to Lakes District Hospital for further assessment.
The occupants of the car received minor injuries.
• Louise Scott
