Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New Zealand Police

A young driver has died and his two passengers are in a serious condition in hospital after the car they were in crashed into an oncoming truck in Hamurana, north of Rotorua, yesterday.

Police received multiple calls from the public around 4:30pm on Tuesday, reporting that the driver of a silver Lexus was driving dangerously on State Highway 1 south from Cambridge. The car was seen cutting off multiple vehicles and travelling at speeds of more than 80kmh above the legal limit.

Police located the car near Tīrau and recognised it as a vehicle of interest following an aggravated robbery in Tauranga on Monday, says Inspector Phil Gillbanks, Bay of Plenty Road Policing Manager.

“The manner of driving has been erratic and posed a significant risk to other road users. The vehicle’s movements were relayed to nearby units, allowing them to take positions ahead of the vehicle and prepare to deploy road spikes. The vehicle was spiked on Oturoa Road, near State Highway 36, and again on Hamurana Road about 5.30pm.

“On State Highway 36, Police found the Lexus had crashed into a truck and caught fire. Tragically the driver was deceased, and the two young passengers were trapped and seriously hurt.

“Members of the public and officers put themselves at significant risk to put the flames out and protect the car’s occupants from the fire. People ran to the scene with extinguishers and about 18 were used to put the fire out.

“Their actions were courageous and saved lives of the trapped passengers.”

The truck driver sustained minor injuries and was treated at the scene by ambulance staff. Several officers were also treated for minor burns and smoke inhalation.

Inspector Gillbanks says a critical incident investigation is under way and the IPCA has been notified.

The Serious Crash Unit completed a scene examination last night and the road reopened about midnight.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Three people are in a critical condition after a shooting overnight in Waitārere Beach.

A man was also found dead at the Waitarere Beach Road address, and Police are not looking for anyone else in relation to the incident.

Police responded to a 111 call about 12:40am today, says Manawatū Area Commander Inspector Ross Grantham.

“Responding officers were told that a firearm had been discharged at the address and when they arrived, four people were found with wounds that are consistent with being shot.

“An adult woman and two older teenage males were located with critical injuries. The woman was taken to Palmerston North Hospital by ambulance and the two males flown to Wellington Hospital.

“Another young person who was at the address is physically unharmed and they are being given wrap-around support.”

Inspector Grantham says a firearm was located at the scene and a forensic examination of the property will begin today.

While Police are not looking for anyone else, officers will be visible around the area while the investigation progresses.

“This is a shocking incident for Waitārere Beach and the district. This was a confronting scene, and I want to acknowledge the emergency personnel who responded to the call for help.

“We are still in the very early stages of our enquiries, but we are focused on understanding how and why this tragic event occurred,” Inspector Grantham says.

Information will be released proactively when it becomes available.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

One person has died following a house fire in Sydenham this afternoon.

Police were called to assist Fire and Emergency New Zealand at the Korimako Lane property around 4pm.

One person was transported to hospital in critical condition, where they sadly passed away.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the fire are ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Tauranga Direct Road, Hamurana, Rotorua, is closed following a serious crash this evening.

The two-vehicle crash occurred around 5.30pm, between Hamurana Road and Te Waerenga Road.

Several people have been injured.

The Serious Crash Unit have been advised and the road is expected to remain closed while emergency services work at the scene.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area and expect delays.

ENDS

Source: New Zealand Police

Police can confirm the name of the man who died following a water-related incident in Mahia on Sunday 11 January.

He was 69-year-old Peter Reece Walker, from Mahia.

Our thoughts are with those close to him at this time.

The death has been referred to the Coroner.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

An earlier release stated the fatal crash on Taihape-Napier Road involved two vehicles and a pedestrian.

This is incorrect, the crash involved one vehicle and a pedestrian.

We ask media to please update their stories to reflect this.

We apologise for any confusion caused.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Police can now release the name of the woman who died following a water-related incident in Okitu on Monday 12 January.

She was 42-year-old Sandie Lee Reihana, from Kaiti, Gisborne.

Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this difficult time.

The death has been referred to the Coroner.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Bay of Plenty Police are seeing a concerning increase of nitrous oxide use while driving.

Police are aware of some people illegitimately using small sliver cannisters while driving, putting all road users at significant risk.

Inhaling nitrous oxide can cause euphoria and dissociation, among other side effects. Whilst these effects are generally short term, they seriously impact a person’s capability to drive and make cognitive decisions.

At 3pm on Wednesday 7 January, a Rotorua driver was stopped after a member of the public observed the driver inhaling from a balloon on Te Ngae Road.

The vehicle was followed and stopped by police shortly after. The 18-year-old driver has been charged with dangerous driving and was forbidden to drive.

Inspector Phil Gillbanks, Bay of Plenty Road Policing Manager, says it’s extremely concerning behaviour.

“The effects might be temporary, but there is no margin for error when you’re driving tonnes of metal around. If you black out while you’re driving then you’re likely to kill or maim yourself, your passengers, or some other innocent person – why would you want to take that risk?

“Nitrous oxide, or any drugs or alcohol have no place in your system if you’re driving. Police are investigating a number of serious crashes – including fatal crashes on behalf of the Coroner – across New Zealand where huffing nitrous oxide, or ‘nangs’ is a potential contributor, including in the Bay of Plenty.”

In just October last year there was widespread publicity about a number of avoidable deaths as a result of young people driving while significantly impaired by nitrous oxide.

You can find out more about nitrous oxide and its effects here.

“If you see someone inhaling from balloons or similar items while driving, call 111 immediately.

“You could save a life,” says Inspector Gillbanks.

“If you have any information concerning the illegal sale of nitrous oxide, or anywhere this is being sold for other than its intended purpose, please notify Police via our 105 service.”

If you’re concerned about your own drinking or drug taking, you can reach out to the Alcohol Drug Helpline on 0800 787 797, or text 8681.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

A person has died following a crash in Rangitikei this morning.

The crash on Taihape-Napier Road, involving two vehicles and a pedestrian, was reported just after 11:20am.

The pedestrian died at the scene. The drivers of the two vehicles involved sustained moderate to serious injuries.

Taihape-Napier Road remains closed near Comet Road while a scene examination is conducted.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

A person has died following a crash in Rangitikei this morning.

The crash on Taihape-Napier Road, involving two vehicles and a pedestrian, was reported just after 11:20am.

The pedestrian died at the scene. The drivers of the two vehicles involved sustained moderate to serious injuries.

Taihape-Napier Road remains closed near Comet Road while a scene examination is conducted.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre