Senior Constable Steve Griffiths, of Milton, said emergency services were called to the Manuka Gorge, near Waitahuna, at 9.30am, after the young woman lost control of a Mazda Lantis while travelling around a corner.
The car hit a bank, and slid back into the middle of the road. The engine caught fire and was put out by members of the Waitahuna Volunteer Fire Brigade.
Snr Const Griffiths said the woman, who was the sole occupant of the car, suffered minor injuries.
Later that night, police were called to a two-vehicle crash on Waitepeka Rd, near Balclutha.
The driver of a Toyota Surf, a 20-year-old Telford student, has been charged with dangerous driving and is due to appear in the Balclutha District Court next month.
The four occupants of the second vehicle, a Toyota Altezza, suffered minor injuries.
