Flowers were laid next to a newly replaced power pole after a fatal car crash in Wickcliffe Tce in Port Chalmers on Friday night. PHOTO: STEPHEN JAQUIERYCharges are yet to be laid after a crash in Port Chalmers left a person dead and one seriously injured in a horror 48 hours on Otago roads that has prompted a "firm message" to drivers from Southern police. It was one of at least four serious crashes in the 48 hours between 8am Friday and 8am Sunday. Police described it a "tragic weekend" for crashes on southern roads. The coming days are expected to be particularly busy on southern roads, as Waitangi weekend travel combines with the annual Burt Munro Challenge motorcycle festival being held in Invercargill from Wednesday to Sunday.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 01, 2026 16:25 UTC