Probe after teens die in off-road crash near Nelson

11:39 am on 11 April 2024
Police in Wellington. Generic image

Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver

Police are investigating after two teenagers died in a crash on an off-road track in the Mt Richmond Forest Park, near Nelson, earlier this week.

Police received an autonomous crash alert from a mobile device about 11pm on Monday - pinpointing a location near Beeby's Knob, a driving track off Tophouse Rd.

A helicopter was used in the initial search, alongside officers on foot and a police dog, before a vehicle with two teenagers inside was located down a steep bank.

A search and rescue operation was then launched, involving LandSAR volunteers, to recover their bodies.

The serious crash unit has been advised and the deaths referred to the Coroner.