Woman killed in Queenstown crash named

Police have released the name of the woman who died following a crash on Frankton Rd in Queenstown yesterday.

She was Noelene Margaret Tait (84), of Queenstown.

She was an early member of the Arrow Miners Band and was formerly a nurse at then Kew Hospital in Invercargill.

A 29-year-old tourist has been charged following the death.

Noelene Margaret Tait. Photo: ODT files
Noelene Margaret Tait. Photo: ODT files
Sergeant Simon Matheson said the man, who was arrested on Tuesday night, would appear in the Queenstown District Court on Monday on a charge of careless driving causing death, and two charges of careless driving causing injury.

The crash, which occurred on Frankton Rd near the intersection with Hensman Rd about 3.30pm, involved two cars and a motorcyclist.

Police say the arrested driver’s car crossed the centre line, head-on into the second vehicle and motorcyclist.

Tait died at the scene.

Sgt Matheson said a 47-year-old Central Otago man riding the motorcycle was flown to Dunedin Hospital yesterday, where he underwent surgery for a badly broken ankle.

A 30-year-old female passenger of the car driven by the arrested man was treated for minor injuries at Lakes District Hospital and later discharged.

Emergency services at the crash scene this afternoon. Photo: Guy Williams
Emergency services at the crash scene yesterday. Photo: Guy Williams

The cause of the crash is being investigated by the serious crash unit.