29 Oct 2009

Body of Saudi man to be returned home

3:41 pm on 29 October 2009

The body of a Saudi student killed in a motor crash in the Hauraki district on Monday is being returned to his family in Saudi Arabia.

Saleh Faidah, 21, died from head injuries after being thrown from a van when it rolled on State Highway 2 near Waihi. Police say the English language student was not wearing a seat belt.

Seven other foreign students were in the van at the time: four from France, two from Germany and one from Spain.

The Spanish man is in a serious condition in Tauranga Hospital.

The others have returned to Auckland.

Police say an investigation into the crash is continuing but it is likely charges will be laid against the French driver.