Alcohol believed factor in tree crash

Queenstown police believe alcohol was a factor in an early morning crash in Arrowtown yesterday which left three people injured.

Emergency services responded to the single-vehicle collision when a car hit a tree shortly after midnight. Sergeant Mark Gill told the Otago Daily Times the driver, a 23-year-old local man, allegedly lost control on the corner of Buckingham and Bedford Sts and "impacted with a large tree".

"[Police] believe alcohol was a factor."

He said charges were likely. Arrowtown Volunteer Fire Brigade and St John Ambulance attended the incident and the road was closed for approximately  an hour.

St John communications adviser Gerard Campbell said three people were transported to Lakes District Hospital, two with moderate and one with minor injuries, for further treatment.

Police expect it to be a busy weekend in the resort with the start of Queenstown Winter Festival — which runs until Sunday.

Sgt Gill said additional officers will be rostered on and the roading unit would be targeting drink-drivers. He reminded locals and visitors a liquor ban was in place during the festival in the CBD.

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