Police have confirmed the identity of a driver killed after her vehicle collided with a truck and trailer unit near Oamaru and want to hear from anyone who saw the crash to contact them.
Leilani Gay Greene (55), of Oamaru, died at the crash scene on Oamaru-Alma Rd - State Highway 1 - just outside the Alma Caltex petrol station yesterday afternoon.
The other occupant of the Mazda, a person in their early teens, was airlifted to hospital and remained in a stable condition today.
A child was also taken from the vehicle and was initially in the care of emergency services.
A St John spokesman said a further person, a male in his 50s, had received minor to moderate injuries and was transported by ambulance to Oamaru Hospital for further assessment.
Police said that anyone who had witnessed the crash was asked to contact the Oamaru Police Station on (03) 433-1400. Information could also be provided anonymously via the organisation Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
St John was alerted at 3.32pm yesterday and sent two ambulances and the rescue helicopter to the crash scene. The highway was closed, with diversions in place.
A man working nearby heard a ''terrific thump'', which he described as a ''horrible noise'', and immediately rushed to help.
Other members of the public also ran to help, and a passing out-of-town firefighter also provided his skills before other emergency service staff arrived.
Oamaru Volunteer Fire Brigade Chief Fire Officer Steve Couper said firefighters used cutting gear to gain entry to the heavily damaged car.
Further support was provided by firefighters from the Weston Brigade.
The volunteer firefighters met again last night for an informal debrief and ''to help each other out''.
Further support was available through the Fire Service for anyone who needed it, Mr Couper said.
