Today in Oamaru, a vehicle believed to be speeding crashed into a railway level crossing alarm post, causing it to be knocked out of the ground.
The vehicle, identified as an older Holden V8, collided head-on with the Thames St crossing equipment around 2.20pm, displacing the post’s concrete base and pushing it onto the level crossing.
Emergency services including Fire and Emergency New Zealand volunteers, local police, and KiwiRail staff responded swiftly to the scene.
Upon the arrival of the Otago Daily Times at 2.23pm, the driver, appearing to be in his late 20s or early 30s, was seen outside the vehicle receiving treatment for a bloody nose from a paramedic.
Witnesses informed the Otago Daily Times that the crashed vehicle was part of a group engaged in what seemed to be a racing competition.
The accident occurred right after the vehicle made a right turn from Itchen St onto Thames St.
The incident took place in a bustling area near the Oamaru Victorian Precinct, with many holiday weekend pedestrians present.
A number of visibly upset bystanders confronted the driver and others associated with another vehicle linked to the individual involved in the crash.
