Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

February quake death toll rises to 184

Updated at 5:46 am on 6 February 2012

The official death toll of the February earthquake has risen to 184 following an investigation into the deaths of three elderly women.

Of five deaths referred to the coroner by police as potentially being related to the quake on 23 February last year, three have been found to be directly associated.

Chief Coroner Judge Neil MacLean on Friday ruled that Elizabeth Sinclair, Pamela Barkle and Reta Stewart, aged in their 70s and 80s, died as a result of complications from quake injuries.

Judge MacLean says people should contact the Chief Coroner's office if they believe a family member's death was quake-related and has been overlooked.

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