Rotorua crash: Motorcyclist dies following Lake Rd collision with car

Emergency services at the scene on Lake Rd.

A motorcyclist has died following a crash in Rotorua, police have confirmed.

The crash, which also involved a car, happened shortly before 11.30am on Lake Rd.

The road has now re-opened and the Serious Crash Unit has been advised, a police statement said.

Lake Rd was closed earlier at the intersection with Bennetts Rd, and motorists were asked to take alternative routes.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand and Hato Hone St John Ambulnce were also called.

A St John spokesman said two ambulances and a helicopter were sent to the scene, but the helicopter was stood down en route.

Alex Lee-Staveley works in the area and told the Rotorua Daily Post he saw the motorbike, which was “shattered”, and a person who appeared unresponsive.

He said the scene was “surreal”.

Lee-Staveley is trained in first aid and was going to help, but saw emergency services were with the injured person.

Another person who works nearby said the bike was “in bad shape”.