Coroner finds unlicensed driver was impaired in fatal Waikato crash

Thursday 16 October 2025 · 5 outlets · 5 reports · updated Thu 16 Oct 2025, 6:00am

In this story Matthew Bates

A coroner has found that 19-year-old Piata Otufangavalu was significantly impaired by nitrous oxide before a May 2024 crash on State Highway 3. The unlicensed driver crossed the centre line near Te Awamutu, colliding with another vehicle and killing herself and four others.

How they headlined it

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1. NZ HeraldThu 16 Oct 2025, 5:00am

   Three teens ‘huffing nangs’ at time of Waikato crash that killed 5, coroner finds (opens in new tab)

2. StuffThu 16 Oct 2025, 5:00am

   ‘Five avoidable deaths’: Unlicenced teenage driver seen huffing nangs moments before crash (opens in new tab)

3. Waikato TimesThu 16 Oct 2025, 5:00am

   Unlicensed teen driver doing ‘nangs’ before crash that killed five, coroner finds (opens in new tab)

4. RNZThu 16 Oct 2025, 5:04am

   Unlicenced driver high on drugs claims five lives in Waikato crash - coroner (opens in new tab)

5. 1NewsThu 16 Oct 2025, 6:00am

   Driver in horror crash 'significantly impaired' by nitrous oxide use – coroner (opens in new tab)