Shocked witnesses have described hearing a “bang” as a mobility scooter and motorcycle collided in central Rotorua.
A spokesman said police were called to a two-vehicle crash about 10.20am.
The crash closed the road near the Tutanekai St and Amohau St intersection but it has now reopened.
Hiria Pohutuhutu was working at Colombus Coffee across the road when she heard a “bang”.
She “looked straight up” and saw that an elderly man on a mobility scooter was involved.
Pohutuhutu said she immediately called the ambulance, and ran outside and saw the motorcycle nearby.
She said the elderly man was lying on his side.
A passerby began administering urgent first aid.
Emergency services then arrived on the scene and took over.
She said the incident was “traumatising” and everyone was concerned about those involved.
“I did a little prayer for him.”
Another witness to the incident, who asked not to be named, said he was facing a window when the crash happened.
The man said a small motorcycle came through the intersection.
ROAD OPEN - FINAL UPDATE - 1:05PM
— Waka Kotahi NZTA Waikato/BoP (@WakaKotahiWaiBP) November 21, 2023
The road is now OPEN. ^AP https://t.co/ZGmfJk7dv0
”I didn’t even hear the bike until I heard a bang.”
He saw other people by the intersection “freaked out” and heard screaming.
”I rushed out and called an ambulance.
“When I got outside the first responders had started showing up.” .
Hato Hone St John responded with one ambulance and one rapid response unit, but were not required for transportation, a spokeswoman said.
A Fire and Emergency NZ spokeswoman said it responded with three trucks about 10.20am.
A reporter at the scene said a mobility scooter could be seen, along with a motorcycle on the side of the road being photographed by police.
The Serious Crash Unit has been advised, police said in a statement.
Cira Olivier is a social issues and breaking news reporter for NZME Bay of Plenty. She has been a journalist since 2019. Maryana Garcia is a regional reporter writing for the Rotorua Daily Post and the Bay of Plenty Times. She covers local issues, health and crime.
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