Whakatu crash: Stretch of State Highway 51 in Hawke’s Bay to close for police investigation

A pedestrian was struck by a car in Whakatu, Hawke's Bay on Saturday night.

A stretch of State Highway 51 in Whakatu will close for a police scene examination around the site of a serious crash that left a pedestrian fighting for life.

Police say their inquiries will include an assessment of whether the incident, in which one person was critically injured, was deliberate.

New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) told motorists via social media to plan for a closure of SH51 between the Railway Rd and Pilcher Rd intersections on Wednesday, August 28 from 7pm to 9pm for a police investigation.

“Detour via Te Ara Kahikatea, Whakatu Rd, Anderson Rd and Railway Rd. HMPVs [high-productivity motor vehicles] to detour via SH2,” the post read.

A police spokesman said the closure was for a scene examination relating to a crash which happened on Saturday, August 24.

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A crash involving a vehicle and a pedestrian was reported on Station Rd, close to the intersection with State Highway 51, about 9.40pm.

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A Hato Hone St John spokesperson said one person in a critical condition was transported to Hawke’s Bay Hospital by ambulance.

SH51 WHAKATU, HAWKE'S BAY – INVESTIGATION
Plan ahead for a CLOSURE between Railway Rd and Pilcher Rd intersections on Wed 28 Aug from 7pm-9pm for police investigation. Detour via Te Ara Kahikatea, Whakatu Rd, Anderson Rd and Railway Rd. HPMV’s to detour via SH2. ^AP pic.twitter.com/qbObRgKz0r

— NZ Transport Agency - Central North Island (@nztacni) August 26, 2024

When asked if police were investigating whether the incident was deliberate, the spokesman said he believed that question would form part of the police inquiries, including the scene examination.