11:03 am today

Man charged with causing two passenger deaths, under influence of drugs

11:03 am today
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The man is due to appear in court on Tuesday. Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon

Police have charged a man with causing the deaths of his two passengers in a crash north of Christchurch, while under the influence of drugs.

A 20-year-old man and a 17-year-old girl were killed in the crash on Butchers Road in Clarkville in January.

Police said the car they were in hit a concrete power pole with such force that the vehicle split in half.

The 20-year-old driver suffered minor injuries.

He is due to appear in court on Tuesday.

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