The driver of a ute that ploughed into a power-pole at Westport in a high-speed crash early yesterday, scarpered before police got there, leaving behind his three badly injured passengers. The first day of the busy summer racing circuit opened in Westport yesterday and was "a very relaxed atmosphere" with no reported incidents. Meanwhile, a Westport driver pulled over on Saturday night blew 692mg. Alcohol is also believed to be a factor in a crash yesterday in which a 56-year-old Hokitika woman crashed her car into a ditch alongside the Kaniere-Kowhitirangi Road. It served as a reminder to all motorists to drive defensively on the open road when small animals crossed in front, Mr Lyes said.

Source: Otago Daily Times December 27, 2017 00:56 UTC