A person died on the Kawarau Gorge road (State Highway 6) after a crash involving a motorcycle and car at the weekend.
The fatal crash, reported at 10.30am on Saturday, brought the number of deaths on Central Otago roads to six in the past five weeks — it also follows a warning from police last week about the recent spate.
The weekend’s crash was the third to involve a motorbike.
Central Otago District Mayor Tamah Alley said the number of road deaths was "definitely not the usual for Central Otago".
"Everybody is feeling quite horrified ... and I think people are really almost in disbelief", Ms Alley said.
There was a huge outpouring of care for the emergency services called to the crashes, as many of the victims had been members of the community.
"People are recognising the impact that this many fatal accidents has on them.
"Lots of these people are known in our communities; they are sons and fathers and friends and colleagues ... in a community as small as this, it’s pretty tough for people."
She said talks about possible measures to help curb the number of deaths on the district’s roads were in the works.
"Mistakes happen on the road. Please, everybody just make sure you’re fully alert when out there driving because the unexpected can come across your path at any time."
On Thursday, Otago Lakes road policing manager Senior Sergeant Steve Watt told the Otago Daily Times police had noticed two key factors contributing to the serious crashes — speed and impairment, namely alcohol.
Snr Sgt Watt said that the crashes left families forced to deal with the devastating consequences, which could have been avoided.
"These types of crashes are avoidable, but it requires motorists to make a conscious decision to focus on driving safe."
On Saturday, the road was closed near McNulty Rd for some time, police said.
A second person suffered serious injuries in the crash, police said in a statement.
A Hato Hone St John spokeswoman said a helicopter was sent to the scene and one patient was assessed as being in a serious condition.
A spokesman for Helicopters Otago later confirmed a person had been flown to Dunedin Hospital.
The police serious crash unit examined the scene on Saturday.
Firefighting crews were sent from Cromwell to assist police and ambulance services.
Emergency services were also called to a crash involving two vehicles in Mosgiel on Saturday.
The crash happened in Hartstonge Ave, near the New World supermarket, and was reported just after 10.40am, police said.
A Hato Hone St John spokeswoman said one person was taken by ambulance to Dunedin Hospital.
Their injuries were described as moderate.
