Crimeline: Vehicle rolls 40m down steep bank – Woman walks away
Vehicle rolls 40m down steep bank – Woman walks away
A woman whose vehicle rolled multiple times off a steep drop from Moke Lake Road around 10am last Friday, 16 October, coming to rest some 40m below amongst trees, was miraculously able to climb back to the road with a rope line and a little assistance, rescuers say.
Constable Amanda Shute says the driver of the vehicle allegedly lost control veering off the road before rolling multiple times.
The Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter, two ambulances, Queenstown Volunteer Fire Brigade and the Arrowtown Brigade’s specialist Lines Rescue Team all attended.
A St John Ambulance spokesperson says the patient was treated and transported to Lakes District Hospital in a moderate condition.
Queenstown Chief Fire Officer Terry O’Connell says the accident occurred just below the turn-off to Alpine Retreat, and the vehicle had been travelling down the road towards the Queenstown–Glenorchy Road. “The vehicle was upright on its wheels, and she was pretty much sitting there in the driver’s seat when the rescue helicopter crew pulled up,” he says. “They got down to the site on lines.”
Firefighters, including the rope rescue team, put a guide rope line down so the rescuers could assist her climbing out. “It was reasonably steep. She was shaken up.” He says it was remarkable that the woman was able to walk out with just a little help.
Formal investigation underway into Walter Peak fire
A senior specialist fire investigator is undertaking a formal investigation to determine the cause and origin of the large vegetation fire on Walter Peak several weeks ago, a Fire and Emergency NZ spokesperson says.
“This is in line with Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s standard procedures and will include any connection with the controlled burn undertaken on the Walter Peak High Country Farm on 30 September,” the spokesperson says.
The fire burned an estimated 1350 hectares of land between 6 and 9 October, mostly on Walter Peak Station, Cecil Peak Station and adjoining
Conservation Estate. Walter Peak High Country Farm and Walter Peak Station are separate properties, with different owners and management.
“The fire was large and highly visible in the Queenstown area. At no stage was there a risk to Queenstown or lakeside communities,” the spokesperson says.
Fire and Emergency worked closely with landowners, the Department of Conservation, local iwi, and other partners throughout the response to identify and protect areas and values most at risk.
Firefighters, helicopter pilots and incident management personnel, and support crews worked tirelessly in challenging conditions until the fire was contained.
“Fire and Emergency would like to thank local landowners, partner agencies, contractors, helicopter crews, and the wider community for their support throughout the response.”
Three women charged with assault
Three women were charged when they allegedly assaulted bar security staff after a group of women were removed from a bar in the Mall at 8.50pm on Saturday, 17 October. Shute says that while being removed, three of the women allegedly assaulted security, one also allegedly assaulting Police shortly after. “The three females were arrested and charged with offences stemming from the incident.” They are due to appear in the Queenstown District Court in December.
Young woman driver charged
A 23-year-old local woman has been charged after allegedly blowing 989mcg when stopped by Police at 10pm on Sunday, 18 October. Shute says the vehicle was stopped on the Lake Hayes-Arrow Junction Highway after allegedly being seen being driven erratically. The woman’s licence was suspended for 28 days, and she will appear in the Queenstown District Court on 27 October.
Other drink driving
46-year-old Clutha man, 788mcg, Howard’s Drive, after vehicle allegedly seen driving at low speed and failing to remain in its lane, 9:24pm, 16 October. Driver’s licence suspension, charged driving with excess breath alcohol, third and subsequent, driving while suspended or revoked, third or subsequent.
39-year-old local man, 600mcg, Peninsula Road, Kelvin Heights, 6:06pm, 16 October. Court – 20 November.
Rescue helicopter
A person was picked up near Ben Lomond by the rescue helicopter after an accident around 12pm on Saturday, 17 October. A St John spokesperson says the patient was flown to Lakes District Hospital by helicopter in a moderate condition.
