Waipukurau crash victim named as 31-year-old Amberlee Carlson

A woman living in Waipukurau was the victim of a fatal car crash on to railway tracks in the Central Hawke’s Bay town.

Police on Tuesday named 31-year-old Amberlee Carlson as the woman killed in the crash at the intersection of Takapau and Racecourse Rds about 3.50am on Sunday.

It’s understood the vehicle hit a barrier and ended up on the adjacent train tracks.

Pukeora Estate in Waipukurau paid tribute to Carlson in a Facebook post. It said she was a mum with a young son who had been living long-term in their accommodation.

“Amberlee was part of our Pukeora Family and will be missed by all of us here.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and loved ones at this time.”

Mayor Alex Walker said Central Hawke’s Bay was a small community and felt the impact of Carlson’s death deeply.

“Any time someone doesn’t make it home to their loved ones, it’s felt right across the district.”

The road was closed while the Serious Crash Unit conducted a scene examination Sunday and reopened by 10am.

Amberlee Carlson, aged 31, died at the scene of a crash at the intersection of Racecours and Takapau Rds on Sunday. Photo / Google Maps

Police said the vehicle was not struck by a train and despite the efforts of emergency services, Carlson died at the scene.

A police spokesperson said their thoughts were with those close to her.

“Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash remain ongoing.”

Central Hawke’s Bay District Council’s land transport relationship manager, Shawn McKinley, said the council had not received any recent complaints regarding the intersection.

Michaela Gower joined Hawke’s Bay Today in 2023 and is based out of the Hastings newsroom. She covers Dannevirke and Hawke’s Bay news and loves sharing stories about farming and rural communities.