Bay of Plenty Police have laid charges in relation to three fatal crashes in the region over summer.

A 47-year-old woman is due to appear in the Ōpōtiki District Court on April 10, facing charges relating to a crash on State Highway 2, Waiotahe on November 23, said Sergeant Shane Tailby.

“She has been charged with driving under the influence of drugs causing death and driving under the influence of drugs causing injury.

“A 20-year-old man is due to appear in the Whakatāne District Court on May 6 in relation to a crash on White Pine Bush Rd, Whakatāne, on October 4, 2024.”

Tailby said he faces one charge of careless driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs causing death, and one charge of careless driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs causing injury.

“The third person charged is a 70-year-old female, who will appear in the Whakatāne District Court on May 20 in relation to a crash on State Highway 30, Coastlands on January 23, 2025.”

Tailby said she faces a charge of careless driving causing death.