Detour leads to tragedy

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 10, Issue 457, 13 October 1992, Page 1

Detour leads to tragedy

A Greymouth woman died following an accident on the corner of Raetihi Road and Clyde Street at about 12,50pm on Thursday. Karen Joy Thompson was a passenger in the late model rental car driven by her husband Collin. The couple were unfamiliar with the area and had been driving to Rotorua. They missed the turn-off at Bulls and subsequently drove up the Parapara Highway. Police said it appeared the driver did not see the Give Way sign on the Raetihi Road comer and drove through the intersection, into the path of the truck which was south-bound on Clyde Street. The Ohakune Volunteer Fire Brigade attended the accident, using cutting equipment to free the woman. Despite brigade members' attempts to revive the woman, the wounds proved fatal. The driver of the car was taken to Waimarino Hospital suffering from shock, while the driver of the truck was unhurt. The car was extensively damaged while the truck suffered minor damage. Police commended the brigade for their efforts, and to the crowd of onlookers who co-operated with their efforts to clear the area where diesel and petrol had spilled.