A car crash on Auckland's Southwestern motorway. Photo / Arvind Kumar
Six people have died in six separate crashes over the last 24 hours, marking an awful weekend on New Zealand’s roads.
Police most recently confirmed a person has died following a single-vehicle crash on Galatea Rd in Waiohau in the Bay of Plenty this afternoon.
Police were called to the scene about 5.15pm, and the driver was found dead.
“The road is closed while the Serious Crash Unit examines the scene,” police said.
“Diversions are in place, and motorists should avoid the area.”
One person also died following a single-vehicle crash on State Highway 43 in Stratford this morning.
Emergency services were called to the scene about 11.30am.
“The road remains closed and motorists should avoid the area,” police said.
Early this morning, one person died following a two-vehicle crash on Auckland’s southern motorway near Onehunga.
Emergency services were called to the scene about 6.15am.
Hato Hone St John said it sent three ambulances and a rapid response unit after being alerted to the crash shortly after.
Two patients were taken to Auckland City Hospital, one in a serious condition and another in a moderate condition, after they were assessed and treated at the scene, St John said.
Police confirmed this afternoon that one person was killed in the crash.
Inquiries into the circumstances of the crash were ongoing, police said.
In Southland, two people died following two separate crashes overnight.
Southland Area Commander, Inspector Mike Bowman, said police signalled for a vehicle to stop on Kelvin St, shortly before 3am.
“The driver failed to stop and the vehicle fled. It was not pursued,” Bowman said.
A short time later, the vehicle was found crashed at the intersection of Leet and Kelvin Streets.
“Sadly, one person was pronounced deceased at the scene,” Bowman said.
Hato Hone St John responded with two ambulances.
Crews assessed four people, all in a moderate condition.
Three people were treated at the scene, while the fourth was taken to Southland Hospital.
In a separate incident, one person died following a single-vehicle crash on the rural road, Winding Creek Rd, north of Gore, at about 12.40am today.
Police confirmed one other person sustained moderate injuries and was seen by ambulance services.
Hato Hone St John sent a first response unit, an ambulance, a rapid response unit and a helicopter to the scene.
One person was airlifted to Dunedin Hospital in a serious condition.
St John referred inquiries to police for further information on the crash.
One person died following a single-vehicle crash on Hamilton last night.
The incident occurred on Howden Rd in the suburb of Temple View was reported to emergency services at around 8.40pm.
Police said one person died at the scene, “despite the efforts of emergency personnel”.
The serious crash unit has been notified and is looking into the circumstances of the crash.
Police are also seeking CCTV and witnesses to the crash on Leet St.
“The matter will also be referred to the IPCA, as is standard procedure in cases like this,” he said.
If anyone has witnessed the crash, or holds CCTV in the areas of Wellesley Avenue, Avenal Street or Kelvin Street, they are advised to contact police.
Reports can be made online on 105 using the reference number: 260322/6911.
Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
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