Two Drivers Lose Control of Cars

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Two drivers lost control of their cars on State Highway 6 within a short distance of each other early this morning. A 36-year-old Greymouth man suffered minor to moderate leg injuries and was transferred to Nelson Hospital after his north-bound car rolled, crossed the centre line and ended up on its roof about 1am at Glenhope, 45km north east of Murchison.
Constable Jevon McSkimming of Murchison police said it appeared the man had fallen asleep and it was "more than likely'' he would be charged with careless driving.

At about 5.30am and 15km north, a car, believed to be carrying four people, left the road north of the Hope Saddle.
Mr McSkimming said the car failed to take a bend and the driver and occupants ran off before police arrived.
Inquiries were continuing as to why the driver had left the scene, he said.
Tapawera Volunteer Fire Brigade chief fire officer Tony Norris said firefighters were called at 6.30am after a passing truck driver raised the alarm.
Mr Norris said it appeared the car had gone off the road backwards. The car was more than 5m down a steep bank and was written off, he said.
said the fire was probably started by a "little darling'', but any evidence was too badly damaged to pursue an investigation.