Police name woman killed in Wanaka crash

Emergency services work at the scene of a fatal crash near Wanaka yesterday. PHOTO: SEAN NUGENT
Emergency services work at the scene of a fatal crash near Wanaka yesterday. PHOTO: SEAN NUGENT

Police have released the name of the woman killed in a crash in the Matukituki Valley near Treble Cone yesterday. 

Taiwanese national Meng-Ju Hsieh (25), who had been living in Wanaka, died after the crash near a one-lane bridge on a gravel section of the Wanaka-Mount Aspiring road, about 8km from the access road to Treble Cone skifield, about 11.20am.

Earlier today Wanaka police said it was in the process of contacting the family of the victim.

Senior Sergeant Allan Grindell said this afternoon, the woman was an ''overseas national'' living in Wanaka, and police were dealing with the consulate of the country she was from. 

At the scene yesterday, Snr Sgt Grindell, of Wanaka, confirmed one person, believed to be the driver, died in the crash.

He said the passenger escaped serious injury and had only "scratches and bruises".

The car that left the Wanaka-Mount Aspiring road yesterday and landed upside down in a creek. One...
The car that left the Wanaka-Mount Aspiring road yesterday and landed upside down in a creek. One occupant died in the crash. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
The car had been travelling towards Wanaka from Mount Aspiring when the crash occurred, Snr Sgt Grindell said.

The scene was attended by two fire appliances, a rescue helicopter and an ambulance, as well as police.

The serious crash unit was investigating and the death had been referred to the coroner, Snr Sgt Grindell said.