A 72-year-old man has died after an unusual crash in Oamaru on Friday afternoon and police are appealing for witnesses to help with their investigation.
The Oamaru man in a dark blue Toyota Corolla hatchback was driving north on Thames St when his car collided with a Mazda Familia at the intersection with Orwell St.
The Corolla veered left and continued on to Thames Highway, across Orana Park without appearing to brake, before hitting a tree at the northern fence boundary with the Ambassador Motel Lodge, about 2.30pm.
Sergeant Tony Woodbridge yesterday said police spoke to the man after the accident and before he was taken to Oamaru Hospital.
He was admitted to the hospital, but died later on Friday night.
Sgt Woodbridge said the accident required "quite a bit of investigation" by police for the coroner to determine what had led to the death of the elderly driver.
The police serious crash unit was involved, along with a vehicle inspector.
The other vehicle involved was not badly damaged and its driver was uninjured. Police would like to speak to anyone who had seen the accident, particularly the collision.
The elderly man's name was not released yesterday because police were still contacting relatives.
