Alcohol is believed to have been a factor in a fatal car crash in Lake Ohau yesterday.
Sergeant Blair Corlet, of Oamaru, speaking by phone from the crash scene, said a man was driving a Subaru Legacy east on Lake Ohau Rd when he crashed into Freehold Creek Bridge, between Lake Ohau Village and Lake Ohau Lodge, about 1am.
The man, who was alone in the car, had travelled through a moderate left-hand bend and ‘‘misjudged his entry’’ on to the one-lane bridge and crashed through one of its wooden sides.
The car ‘‘flipped’’ and came to rest on its roof on the creek bed.
The man was ejected from the car and died of his injuries at the scene, Sgt Corlet said.
The victim was believed to be the registered owner of the car, a 34-year-old man from the Lake Ohau area.
The vehicle was discovered by a member of the public about 5.30am, Sgt Corlet said.
A St John spokesman said an ambulance and doctor were deployed from Twizel just before 6am but were not needed.
Alcohol was believed to be a factor in the crash, Sgt Corlet said.
The Serious Crash Unit was investigating, he said.
The road was closed for a scene examination. It reopened at 9.30am, he said.
