Father and daughter killed in four-car crash in Southland

Police released the names of the father and daughter who died in a four-vehicle accident near Invercargill on Wednesday.

They were Matthew Dale Harris (22) and Ruby Jane Harris (5 months).

In a statement tonight, police expressed their condolences to his family and said investigations were ongoing.

Police said yesterday that the couple, who were initially reported to be in critical condition, had died after the accident on the Winton-Lorneville Freeway (State Highway 6), around 4 p.m.

A teenager remained in critical condition at Dunedin Hospital, while three other people suffered non-life-threatening injuries in the accident.

The road was closed yesterday while emergency services spent the day investigating the scene, located about 150 meters north of the Makarewa Bridge.

The road has now been reopened.

Around 3 p.m. yesterday, a car was seen being loaded into another tow vehicle by a Hiab truck while police were assisting in the recall.

One resident, who was able to see the crash site from her property, said her farm animals remained silent as sirens blared throughout the rural area.

“Dogs generally complain, but they all just stood there.

“I saw them [emergency service vehicle] lights and I could see big trucks and lots of cars lined up. “

He watched from his paddock as the rescue helicopter landed on the road.

Three ambulances, two helicopters and a manager attended the crash site, along with New Zealand Fire & Emergency personnel and police.