Fatal crash: Rotorua victim named

FILE

Police believe a second vehicle may have been involved in a crash that killed 29-year-old Aterea Paurini Daulton Moke on State Highway 33 near Paengaroa last night.

Initial reports said the Rotorua man died after his motorcycle collided with a car, but police now believe a second vehicle may have unknowingly struck Mr Moke after he had come off the bike.

Police are appealing for the drivers and occupants of any vehicles who may have travelled on SH33 late last night to check their vehicles for minor damage and to contact police with any information.

People are asked to contact Sergeant Wayne Hunter at the Tauranga Police Station on 5774300. Information can also be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. - APN

EARLIER STORY: The motorcyclist killed in a collision with a car last night was a 29-year-old Rotorua man.

Senior Sergeant Owen O'Brien said the man died on the scene which St John reported as State Highway 33, south of Paengaroa.

Mr O'Brien said the cause of the crash was still being investigated by police.

A fatal crash involving a car and a motorcycle on State Highway 33 south of Paengaroa closed the highway and saw traffic travelling between Rotorua and Tauranga diverted.

One person died at the scene of the crash. It has been reported it was the motorcyclist who died in the crash about 8.45pm.

SH33 was closed to traffic between Allport Road and Paengaroa and traffic between Rotorua and Tauranga was diverted on to SH36 at Haumarana.

Police said the serious crash unit would be investigating, and updates would be issued when more information was available.