Body found after car fire on State Highway 1 at Ātiamuri

An investigation is under way after a body was found in a vehicle on State Highway 1 near Ātiamuri, between Tokoroa and Taupō, last night.

Emergency services were called to the scene about 7pm after a report of a car on fire off the highway, a police spokesperson said this morning.

Once the fire was extinguished a body was found in the front seat.

An investigation is under way after a body was found in a vehicle on State Highway 1 near Ātiamuri, between Tokoroa and Taupō, last night.

Inquiries were now under way to determine the cause of the fire and the circumstances of the person’s death, the spokesperson said.

This was expected to take some time and a scene examination would continue this morning.

Police would like to hear from anyone who witnessed anything in the area from around 6pm, specifically the movements of a black Suzuki Swift.

A Fire and Emergency NZ (Fenz) spokesman said they received “multiple calls” to a car fire on State Highway 1 in the rural settlement of Kinleith, near Tokoroa, about 6.55pm.

”Upon arrival the car was well involved in fire,” Fenz said.

Anyone with information can call 105 and reference file number 240911/9238.

A spokesman from the Bull Ring Tavern in Ātiamuri said he saw the burning car parked off-road as he drove past about 7.15pm.

He said the car was about 50m off the highway in a car parking area used by people visiting the nearby Hatupatu’s Rock, and a police car and a fire truck were on the scene.

In Māori legend, Hatupatu’s Rock or Te Kōwhatu o Hatupatu is a wāhi tapu site known as the place where the legendary traveller Hatupatu sought refuge inside the rock itself after being pursued by Kurungaituku.

The spokesman said he regularly saw burned-out cars along this stretch of highway.

”I just assumed that someone must have torched the car. It’s going to be a huge shock for someone’s family.”

It comes after a body was found in a burnt-out car on a Northland beach on Monday.

Police were notified of a vehicle on fire at Ripiro Beach just after 10.30am.

Detective Inspector Al Symonds, of Northland CIB, said police found a body inside the vehicle when they arrived.

“Inquiries are now under way to establish the full circumstances of what has occurred.”