The passenger of a 4WD vehicle being driven through Balclutha yesterday probably averted further disaster when he took control of the steering wheel after the driver lost consciousness.
The 71-year-old Dunedin driver of the car later died at the scene, after suffering a suspected heart attack, Balclutha Senior Sergeant Richard Whitmore said.
The vehicle was towing a boat south along Essex St towards the Balclutha Bridge about 8.30am when the driver slumped over the steering wheel.
The sole passenger steered the vehicle over the bridge before it came to a halt in the middle of the road on the other side, Snr Sgt Whitmore said.
He was assisted by members of the public and the police, who administered first aid until an ambulance arrived.
