Names released of two Whanganui River victims

Police have released the names of two people who died when the car they were in crashed off Anzac Parade and plunged into the Whanganui River yesterday afternoon.

They were Frances Te Kaawa, aged 38 years, of Whanganui and her son Duane Richard Pauro, aged 2 years and eight months.

Senior Sergeant Shayne Wainhouse, Whanganui Police, said investigations are continuing into the cause of the crashed which happened at 1.20pm.

The driver, Donovan James Matenga Tuirirangi, aged 38, appeared in Court this morning charged with dangerous driving causing death. He was remanded in custody and will reappear on 18 January 2011.

Five people were in the Subaru Impreza which was recovered from the river last night. Three of the occupants managed to escape from the submerged vehicle and swim to the shore.

The body of Ms Te Kaawa was recovered soon after the crash happened. Police National Dive Squad members found the body of her young son about 8.15pm last night.

"The crash was seen by several people who were in the area at the time," Senior Sergeant Wainhouse said. "Other witnesses who have yet to be contacted by police are asked to get in touch with us at Whanganui Police Station."

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