Drug-Impaired Unlicensed Teen Driver Caused Waikato Crash
A coroner's report has found that a 19-year-old woman drove without a licence while under the influence of drugs, causing a fatal crash that resulted in five deaths.
The crash, which occurred near Te Awamutu in May 2024, claimed the lives of the driver, Piata Otufangavalu, her partner Suliasi Lefai, friend Cheyene Love-Mitchell, and a retired couple, Paul and Lois Grimmer, who were travelling in another car.
Her level of impairment clearly caused her to drive across into oncoming traffic … the result was five avoidable deaths
Coroner Matthew Bates stated that Otufangavalu was "significantly impaired" after inhaling nitrous oxide, also known as nangs, and possibly cannabis, before crossing the centre line into the Grimmers' oncoming Audi.
Police described the collision as "horrendous".
Author's summary: A drug-impaired teen driver caused a fatal crash in Waikato, resulting in five deaths.
- Five people died in the crash, including the driver and a retired couple.
- The driver was under the influence of nitrous oxide and possibly cannabis.
- The crash occurred near Te Awamutu in May 2024.
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