The scene of January’s crash on State Highway 2 near Tauherenikau. PHOTO/FILE
GIANINA SCHWANECKE
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Charges have been laid in relation to two separate car crashes which killed three people earlier this year.
Police have confirmed that a 27-year-old forestry worker has been charged with causing the death of a father and his son’s friend, as well as injuring two others, after a collision near the Mangatainoka Tui Brewery in April.
Police confirmed the details of the charges, which alleged the defendant was under the influence of a drug, though the charging documents did not specify what drug.
Kevin Hanks, 40, and 13-year-old Macauley Arnott were both killed in the crash.
Hanks’ 13-year-old son was placed in an induced coma in Starship Children’s Hospital in Auckland, after the crash.
He awoke in late April and is said to be progressing well with his rehabilitation.
The defendant is set to appear in the Palmerston North District Court in July.
Charges have also been laid in relation to a fatal collision between a truck and a car near Tauherenikau in late January.
Craig Shields, 53, was flown to Wellington Hospital in a critical condition after the head-on collision. He later died of his injuries.
A 28-year-old commercial truck driver has been charged with careless driving causing death. He is expected to appear in the Masterton District Court next week.
