Baby survives fatal Lewis Pass crash, eyewitness recounts harrowing scenes

An eyewitness has recounted harrowing scenes following a fatal crash where a baby miraculously survived from an upside-down vehicle

A man died following a two-vehicle collision on the Lewis Pass at 4.45PM on Friday.

It happened on the Shale Peak Stream Bridge, about 25 minutes in-land from the Hanmer Springs turn-off.

A police spokesperson said the man died at the scene.

A motorist who witnessed the aftermath of the crash said the driver of the car who died had been tailgating her for up to “a good 10 minutes.”

“It was evident he wanted to pass but couldn't because of the windy corners.

Shale Peak Stream Bridge Google Maps

“Once he was able to, we saw him weaving in and out, passing cars. Not very long after that we passed over a hill and saw the tail end of the accident.”

The ill-fated driver's car was facing the wrong way on the left side of the road.

The witness said it had collided with an SUV.

Google Maps

The SUV was upside down, precariously balanced between the road and the bridge barrier.

Motorists attended to the man in the car while others helped the driver of the SUV unclip his seatbelt and get him out his vehicle.

“I also watched them unclip a baby out of their carseat. The dad grabbed his baby and was limping to a nearby car to sit in. There were several female helpers so it was hard to tell if they were the baby’s mum or not.

“I called the emergency services and they were there within 15 minutes. A chopper arrived 10 minutes after them.

“It’s absolutely heartbreaking for the whānau who have lost that loved one, and I feel incredibly anxious for that dad with the baby. He must have been in absolute shock that they were able to walk away from that terrible scene.

“It’s super scary and devastating and I just feel so shocked and sad for both families involved while counting my own blessings right now that our whānau is safe.”

A St John Ambulance spokeswoman said they responded with a helicopter, a manager, a first response, one prime vehicle and three ambulances. 

“We assessed and treated two patients in a moderate and one in a minor condition who were transported to Christchurch hospital.”

The Serious Crash Unit attended the scene and the road was blocked off for several hours.