Teen driver claims he fell asleep at wheel

A teen who allegedly caused the death of two mothers claims he fell asleep at the wheel.

The 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared via audiovisual link before Judge Emma Smith in the Dunedin Youth Court yesterday afternoon.

He was charged with two counts of dangerous driving causing death and two of dangerous driving causing injury.

Charlene Hong Hue Phuong and Fay Lesley Leota died in the two-vehicle crash at Waihola, about 30 minutes south of Dunedin, on Saturday. Three others were injured in the crash, two critically.

The teenager’s Nelson-based lawyer said his client fell asleep at the wheel and admitted causing the ‘‘shocking’’ crash.

The lawyer sought an adjournment without plea.

Judge Smith declined the teen bail, and remanded him in custody to appear in court again on November 15.

An investigation into the cause of the crash was ongoing, police said.