A prunus tree outside the Otago Regional Council building in Alexandra was shorn off at ground level early yesterday when a man allegedly lost control of the ute he was driving.
Constable Rhys Tait said the man was "travelling at speed" along Bringans St before losing control of the Ford XR8 Falcon ute and colliding with the tree, near the intersection with Dunorling St, at about 4.20am.
The vehicle was extensively damaged and the driver had left the scene before the Alexandra Fire Brigade arrived, Const Tait said.
Later in the day, Constable Sam Williams said police had spoken to the man and investigations, including a scene examination, were continuing. The driver was not injured.
The incident occurred opposite the Alexandra Primary School grounds and next to the regional council car park. The regional and local government offices in Alexandra are located on the same site, surrounded by car parks and lawns.
Central Otago District Council parks officer Geoff King, said the prunus tree was probably between 25 and 30 years old "It will be replaced, but I'm not sure if the replacement will go back in that same spot," he said.
• One person was airlifted to Dunedin Hospital after two vehicles were in collision near Ranfurly early yesterday afternoon.
Police communications spokesman, Inspector Alan Weston, said a ute and a car collided at the intersection of State Highway 85 and Goff Rd at 12.29pm. Police, the Ranfurly Fire Brigade and St John attended.
Ranfurly Deputy Chief Fire Officer David Millar saidthe two occupants of the car were cut out of the vehicle. There were two people in the ute as well, he said.
A St John spokeswoman said one person was airlifted to Dunedin Hospital. No further details were available last night.
