The accident scene at the Maioro St interchange. Photo / Supplied
The accident scene at the Maioro St interchange. Photo / Supplied
A Givealittle page supporting a family injured in a serious Auckland crash has raised more than $1400 in its first day, as claims about the cause of the accident continue to circulate online despite police ruling out alcohol as a factor.
The funding campaign was promoted on the Checkpoint AucklandFacebook page. It’s the same site a recent post showed an individual standing next to the other vehicle involved in the incident, claiming that he was under the influence of alcohol.
Checkpoint Watch Auckland set up the Givealittle page on behalf of the impacted family and the page creator is now defending the original post amid an online backlash.
Claims the other driver was drink-driving were dismissed by police, who said alcohol played no role in the accident. Police did not say whether the pictured man was the person they had subsequently identified as the offending driver and were planning to charge with careless driving causing injury.
One of the photos posted to Facebook. Police say alcohol played no part in the crash. Photo / Supplied
The original post also drew a police warning against using social media as a platform to seek justice, saying it was unhelpful and risky, could compromise investigations and be harmful to individuals.
The original post, titled “SEARCHING FOR THE DRUNK DRIVER THAT CAUSED THIS MESS”, outlined the devastation the accident reaped on a Kiwi-Filipino family, including critical injuries to a 73-year-old grandmother who remains severely ill in hospital.
The Herald spoke to a member of the family, who said they were deeply traumatised by the crash.
All five occupants were injured, but it was their cherished grandmother who remained in the hospital recovering from life-threatening injuries.
With the family maintaining a bedside vigil, the accident toll was physical, emotional and financial, he said.
Despite the police warning, the new Checkpoint Watch Auckland post alerting the fundraising effort continued claiming the pictured man was the offending driver and insinuated impairment was a likely factor in the accident.
Police confirmed to the Herald the offending driver returned a zero blood-alcohol reading. They were awaiting the results of further blood tests for other intoxicating substances.
The fundraising page, launched on Thursday, had raised more than $1400 toward its $10,000 goal as of Friday.
The Givealitte page supporting the family impacted by the accident. Photo / Givealittle
The donations were to cover lost income, hospital travel and parking, household bills and groceries, unused airline tickets, and help replace the family car.
“The impact on the family has been devastating. Her daughter has had to stop working to remain by her mother’s bedside while also caring for her own child. The emotional strain is immense, and the loss of income has added significant financial pressure at an already overwhelming time,” the page read.
The latest Facebook post had more than 50 comments.
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