Whakatāne crash victim named as police seek witnesses

The crash happened near Tāneatua on Tuesday night. Photo / Google Maps

Police have named the person who died in an Eastern Bay of Plenty crash this week.

She was Ngahina Takarangi, 44, of Whakatāne.

Another person was seriously injured in the crash.

Emergency services were called to White Pine Bush Rd near Tāneatua about 6pm on Tuesday after reports a car had crashed into the Whakatāne River.

Police said today the crash was under investigation and they were seeking witnesses.

Eastern Bay of Plenty area commander acting Inspector Paul Wilson said police were seeking further information from people who witnessed the crash or any movements leading up to the crash.

“Prior to the crash a red Honda Accord was observed travelling on Reid Rd in excess of the speed limit,” Wilson said.

“A police vehicle travelling the other direction observed the vehicle at speed; however, was unable to locate the vehicle as it travelled towards White Pine Bush Rd.”

Wilson said police believed two other vehicles were near or on the Pekatahi Bridge at the time of the crash and they wanted to speak to the occupants.

“Additionally, we’re still seeking information from anybody who saw a red Honda Accord travelling in and around Tāneatua between 5.30pm and 6pm on Tuesday, 2 December.”

Anyone with information was asked to contact the police via 105, either on the phone or online, referencing file number 251202/5566.