Royalburn fatal crash driver out of hospital - police charges still being explored

The driver who was involved in a fatal crash that killed Royalburn head butcher Outrega Anderson, also known as Tré Anderson, has been released from hospital according to a statement to Crux from NZ police.

Police say that a criminal investigation into the crash is still ongoing and "this includes any decision around charges."

The South Island civil construction company Paul Smith Earthmoving confirmed earlier in December that an employee was in hospital after being seriously injured in the fatal car crash near the junction of the Crown Range road and State Highway Six in mid-December.

Police at the time confirmed to Crux they "received a report of traffic offending a short time before the vehicle collision".

Local residents had posted on social media that  a driver on SH6 was driving erratically and overtaking other vehicles in a dangerous manner early on Saturday morning (December 16th, 2023).

In a written statement to Crux in response to questions about the car crash, Paul Smith Earthmoving told Crux before Christmas:

"We were deeply saddened to hear of the accident over the weekend, involving one of our employees." 

"Our sincere condolences go out to the families and loved ones of those affected by the accident. 

"We expect the accident will, in time, be investigated by the authorities and we will assist and cooperate when called upon. 

"We will ourselves be looking into the matter, when appropriate to do so."

Nadia Lim's Royalburn station crew made their own comment in a social media post shortly after the crash:

"We are utterly devastated to have lost our dear, dear friend and colleague Tré. Taken far too soon, words cannot convey how much our team loved this beautiful man.

"Our head butcher and master charcutier, he was also an industrial designer, artist and chef - he had too many talents to name. An old, wise soul, kind, humble, and always the calm in the eye of any storm. It pains us so much to think we will never hear your hearty laugh or see your infectious smile in person again.

"We will miss so much you mate, until we meet again."