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“People are hurting” in Flaxmere after an 11-year-old female cyclist was fatally struck by a vehicle in the Hastings suburb of Flaxmere on Thursday.
The tragedy happened on Chatham Rd just before 6pm.
A 34-year-old woman was due to appear in Hastings District Court charged with driving in a dangerousmanner. Police confirmed they were not in pursuit of the vehicle at the time. They had not ruled out further charges.
Since the incident, Flaxmere community members have been visiting the crash site, where flowers, teddy bears and heartfelt messages now line Chatham Rd.
Local leader Lindsay Abbott, founder of One Voice Community Services Trust, has been co-ordinating support, delivering donated food (kai koha) and encouraging people to continue showing love while giving the family space to grieve.
A witness said the girl was cycling happily and laughing moments before she was struck.
“Flashbacks of what happened come and go all the time,” he said.
Hastings District Council installs safety barriers after 16 bollards were lost in the crash. Photo / Rafaella Melo
Since the crash, Hastings District Council had installed safety barriers to stop vehicles from entering the park.
“We’ve lost approximately 16 bollards, so we’re putting up fences to keep vehicles out while still allowing pedestrian access,” Susan Elms from the park maintenance operations team said.
“We also recognise that grieving activities are happening, and we don’t want to obstruct that.”
As police continue their investigation, the community remains united in mourning and calling for safer streets.
