23 Sep 2009

Passenger dies in Ohakune car crash

10:27 pm on 23 September 2009

A passenger has died after a car crashed in Ohakune in the central North Island.

The crash occurred about 3am on Wednesday after a Mazda car travelling south on Goldfinch Street failed to take a slight bend before hitting a post and a raised stone-edged garden.

Ezra Fleurty, 19, of Ohakune, died at the scene.

A 20-year-old male passenger is in a critical condition in hospital, while a 19-year-old-male passenger is in a stable condition.

Police say the 18-year-old driver, who suffered minor injuries, has been charged with driving with excess alcohol and possession of cannabis.

The driver will appear in Ohakune District Court on Friday.