One dead, one injured, suspect in custody after incident inside moving vehicle near Matatā

A road closure is in place near Matatā as police investigate a serious incident. Image / Google Maps

A person has died while another has been injured after an incident inside a moving vehicle in the Bay of Plenty region.

Emergency services were called to the intersection of Flax and Matatā Rds, near Matatā, at about 3.50pm after a report of two people having been injured by a third person while in a vehicle.

The vehicle then left the road and crashed, police said.

Emergency services carried out CPR on one of the victims but they died at the scene.

The second victim was taken to hospital with moderate injuries.

The alleged offender was arrested at the scene.

“A scene examination is now under way and the road is expected to remain closed for some time,” police said.

UPDATE 8:15PM, SAT 27 SEP
State Highway 2 remains CLOSED between Manawahe Rd and Caverhill Rd. Follow directions given by crews on-site and allow additional time for travel through the area.
Overnight updates: https://t.co/x1LacjepQw https://t.co/wYmZX3LKJI

— NZ Transport Agency - Waikato & Bay of Plenty (@nztawbop) September 27, 2025

“Diversions are in place and motorists are asked to avoid the area.”

Hato Hone St John said it took one patient to Whakatāne Hospital in a moderate condition and referred further inquiries to police.

NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) said State Highway 2 between Manawahe Rd and Caverhill Rd was closed and motorists were advised to follow directions by crews on the site and allow for additional time for travel through the area.

But the road has since reopened after the fatal road incident.

NZTA said the road reopened between Manawahe and Caverhill Rds at 6.40am today.