Crash data collated by the Transport Agency since 2000 counts more than 250 crashes on the back roads of Ashburton, with 48 being on Mitcham Road, where yesterday's accident happened. Three were killed when a station wagon and a ute collided at the intersection of Mitcham and Hepburns Road shortly after 10am. Hepburns Road resident Brad Fallaver said people use the road as a detour to avoid Ashburton town. Mr Fallaver said a part of Hepburns Road was gravel and could be hard to stop if hit at speed. The Transport Agency data shows four serious crashes at the intersection of Mitcham and Hepburns Road in the last 10 years.

Source: Otago Daily Times April 01, 2019 16:41 UTC