Crashed car a puzzler for police

Emergency services try to piece together how a burnt-out, mangled car came to rest on the Kokonga...
Emergency services try to piece together how a burnt-out, mangled car came to rest on the Kokonga bridge, about 20km from Ranfurly, early yesterday. PHOTO: PETER MCINTOSH
Mystery surrounds a burnt-out, mangled car wreck discovered on a remote Otago bridge early yesterday.

State Highway 87 at Kokonga, about 20km from Ranfurly, was closed for much of yesterday as police tried to piece together how the smashed car came to rest ploughed into the railings of the Kokonga bridge over the Taieri River.

The car was so badly damaged police could not confirm its make or registration yesterday.

It appeared the car had crashed into the bridge, but police would not comment on whether they suspected it was torched or it burst into flames following the crash.

Either way, the occupants of the vehicle were nowhere to be seen when the matter was reported to police about 4.30am yesterday.

``A motorist found a burnt-out car which had crashed into the side of the bridge,'' Central Otago area response manager Senior Sergeant Ian Kerrisk said.

``The crash and fire had occurred sometime earlier and police and a fire investigator are now working to establish what has happened and to locate the occupants of the vehicle.''

Investigators remained at the scene late into the afternoon yesterday.

``Investigators are still at the scene and working to establish what happened and the vehicle involved,'' police said about 5pm yesterday.

It was unclear whether the vehicle was stolen.

The road was closed near the intersection with Mundell Rd as investigators carried out their work. A detour was in place through Waipiata.

Police wanted to hear from anyone who was in the area on Sunday night or early yesterday.

``Police are seeking information about movements of any vehicles in that area last night,'' Snr Sgt Kerrisk said.

Detective Sergeant Derek Shaw, of Central Otago CIB, said police were treating the serious crash as unexplained.

``Today we have spoken with a number of people in relation to this incident and are continuing to make further inquiries to locate the driver and occupant of the vehicle.

``We really want to ensure the people involved in this crash are safe and well.''

Alexandra police

(03) 440-2500, Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.

timothy.brown@odt.co.nz

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