Clear, crisp and dangerous

A view northwest over Inch Clutha towards Balclutha shows widespread frost in South Otago yesterday morning.

Conditions had not improved by lunchtime when a van rolled into a ditch about 12.30pm.

Balclutha fire station officer Stacey Verheul attended the scene, and said a single male occupant was driving the vehicle on Hillend Rd, about 17km north of Balclutha, when the incident occurred.

She said the driver of the white Mitsubishi L300 appeared to have lost control on a bend near the intersection with Smiths Track, after hitting ice.

The man was able to walk from the scene with assistance, and was treated for minor cuts and bruises by emergency workers.

Verheul urged drivers to take extra care and slow down during continuing frosty conditions this winter.