HAMILTON - The Morrinsville firefighter who drove a water truck that crashed killing a 17-year-old volunteer last month has been charged by police.
Kevan Hickey, 35, will face a charge of careless driving causing death.
Rookie firefighter Kieran O'Hanlon died after the water tanker went off Airport Rd at Narrows Bridge, south of Hamilton, as the pair responded to a scrub fire on March 18.
The tanker crashed through a metal barrier, rolled 7m down a bank and landed upside down.
Mr O'Hanlon died the next day. Hickey suffered a broken pelvis and is still recovering at home.
Inspector Leo Tooman of Hamilton said the charge followed a report by the police crash analysis unit.
The maximum penalty for careless driving causing death is three months' imprisonment, a $4500 fine and disqualification from driving for a period at the judge's discretion.
Morrinsville volunteer firefighter and Anglican minister the Rev Steve Turfrey said he was stunned at the charge against Hickey, describing it as a "tragedy upon a tragedy."
"It's hard for us to see a colleague we have great respect for in this position. Kevan and his family will be devastated."
He said that firefighters accepted police had to follow the legal process. "We need to be seen to be accountable - we would expect nothing less."
They would continue to support Hickey, whatever the outcome.
"The Morrinsville fire station is an incredibly close community - we'll be giving Kevan and his family plenty of support."
Bay of Plenty/Waikato area manager Jim Stevens said the Fire Service was compiling its own crash report, which was due next week.
A team from several regions would report to Fire Service acting chief executive Alison Timms, who would decide on any further action, he said.
Mr O'Hanlon's family could not be reached for comment.
- NZPA
Fire crash driver charged
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