Witnesses have described frantic rescue attempts after a serious crash that saw a bus go up in flames on a main road in the Auckland suburb of Parnell last night.
Video / NZ Herald
A main Auckland road has reopened this morning after being closed all day yesterday following a fatal fiery bus crash.
An Auckland bus driver was killed in the head-on collision with a car on Tāmaki Drive late Wednesday night.
Auckland Transport said the bus was removed last night andall emergency services staff have been stood down after prior warnings there might be toxic chemicals in the air.
All buses have returned to their regular schedules.
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown said he was saddened by the news of the bus driver’s death.
Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson posted on Facebook, “Our deepest sympathies go out to them, and their family”.
“Everyone goes to work expecting to come home again safely, so this comes as a huge shock to many.”
Kinetic New Zealand managing director Calum Haslop said the driver was one of their valued staff and the death was a “deeply felt loss for us all”.
Tamaki drive was closed to traffic after a fatal car -v- bus crash on Wednesday night. Photo / Michael Craig
“Our thoughts are with their family, friends, and colleagues at this difficult time. Our team is supporting one another as we come to terms with the news, and additional support is available for those who need it.”
He said they were working closely with authorities as they investigate the incident and would not be providing further details at this stage.
Workers First Union general secretary Dennis Maga said their thoughts were also with the driver’s family. He asked that their privacy be respected while information was gathered about the circumstances leading to the crash.
“It’s a tragedy when any person dies in their place of work, and even more so when they are providing a public service to their community as Auckland’s bus drivers do every day.
“We want to offer our support to the driver’s family and colleagues, and will work co-operatively with authorities to understand how this accident happened and what the next steps will be.”
Tāmaki Drive between Ngapipi Rd and The Strand was closed on Wednesday night and remained closed all yesterday as fire and police worked on the scene.
“All road users are asked to avoid the area and seek an alternative route while the scene is cleared,” police said.
