‘Devastated’: CHB Mayor’s rallying cry after child killed by vehicle in Waipukurau

Mt Herbert Rd, near Waipukurau, is closed after a crash. Photo / Rachel Wise

Central Hawke’s Bay Mayor Alex Walker says the community will be doing everything it can to support the family of a child who was killed by a vehicle on a Waipukurau property.

Police responded to an incident involving a vehicle at a residential property on Mount Herbert Rd shortly after 7.45am on Thursday - police at the scene advised that the road was closed due to a “serious incident”.

A statement said a child was located in a critical condition and CPR was commenced.

“Sadly, the child died at the scene,” the statement said.

“Police remain at the scene and an investigation has begun into the circumstances of what happened.

“Police are offering support to the family involved during this difficult time.”

Central Hawke’s Bay Mayor Alex Walker said the community was “very sad” following the incident.

“A devastating accident like this in a small town impacts many people very personally and the community will be doing everything they can to support those that have been involved,” Walker said.

Walker declined to comment further, asking for “space for the people that are involved”.

“Our primary concern right now is for the privacy of the family involved and asking people to give them space and respect what they are going through.”