Several people were killed in a car crash in Invercargill near Queens Park

Several people died in a car accident in the center of Invercargill – the horror of the beginning of a long weekend.

Witnesses say they heard a loud explosion when a concrete truck and an all-wheel drive car collided in downtown Invercargill on Friday.

Police Detective Inspector Stuart Harvey said two ambulances were called in the crash of two cars on Queens Drive, near Queens Park. “Unfortunately, several people died at the scene.”

The number of victims has not been reported yet.

A man who lived nearby said he heard a “big bang”.

He saw a black all-wheel drive car thrown over the road by a concrete pump. The 4WD roof was punctured.

He said an ambulance nurse arrived at the ambulance and provided on-site assistance.

The man along with some stopped the oncoming traffic.

There were three men in the truck and they were visibly upset, he said. One walked down the aisle and the others remained in the cab.

A resident said he returned inside as soon as police arrived. It was “quite obvious” that they didn’t want to be around, and it started to rain.

The Serious Accidents Unit was called in for an investigation, and Harvey said police wanted to talk to anyone who witnessed the crash.

Tarpaulins were installed around the crash site, and Queens Drive was closed overnight between St. Andrew and King Street. Motorists should take an alternative route.

Residents nearby and other locals passing by the crash site had previously reported online a large number of fire engines, ambulances and police vehicles at the scene.

It was raining in Invercargill on Friday.

A New Zealand fire and emergency spokesman said they had responded to the accident involving a car and truck. When they arrived, people were trapped and firefighters were still at the scene only after 5.30pm.

A St. John’s spokeswoman said two ambulances and two executives had arrived.

They had to evaluate only one person who did not need transportation to Dunedin Hospital.

Asked about the condition of other passengers of the car, she referred to the comment of the police.

Last weekend, four people died on the roads of New Zealand during the official toll period for the Easter weekend. This is nine less than in 2021.

On the eve of a long weekend with Anzac Day on Monday, police urged people to be careful on the roads and especially to watch their speed. – NZ Herald and ODT

• Anyone with information is asked to contact the police at 105 with reference to the event number P050332364. Information can also be transmitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers by calling 0800 555 111.