Police search for witnesses to crash

Photo / File

Tauranga police are searching for two people who stopped to help a man killed in a crash on Pyes Pa Rd.

The 46-year-old man died after the van he was driving smashed head-on into a rock face near the intersection of Pyes Pa Rd (State Highway 36) and Mangatoi Rd, about half way between Tauranga and Rotorua.

The crash happened just before 1pm yesterday.

The road was dry and weather conditions were fine at the time of the crash, which occurred in a 100km/h area on a relatively straight stretch of the highway.

Western Bay road policing manager Senior Sergeant Ian Campion said the man was alone in the Mitsubishi van and no other vehicles were involved in the crash.

Police would like to speak with the driver and passenger of a blue vehicle who stopped to assist at the crash scene, in addition to any other witnesses who have not been spoken to by police.

Mr Campion said no road closure was necessary following the crash and traffic was not disrupted.

Crash analysts attended the scene and inquiries into the cause of the crash have started.

The Greerton fire brigade was also called to the crash but was not required on arrival.

Police would not release the man's name until his family had been told.

Witnesses are asked to contact Sergeant Wayne Hunter at Tauranga South police station on (07) 578 3460.