“Everyone knows everyone, and I’m sure when the details come out about which family has been affected, it will hit this community hard,” he said.
“Any sort of tragic incident like this, you know, the community will wrap around those that are impacted and affected by it and make sure that they get the care and concern and the comfort that they need.”
Three people have died in a crash on Masters Rd this afternoon after a vehicle left the road and end up in water.
This evening police cordons either side of the crash scene diverted traffic along adjoining roads.
Conditions were bleak with strong wind and patchy rain.
The Serious Crash Unit is carrying out an investigation to determine how the crash occurred.
Masters Rd, between Waiuku and Kidd Rds, would remain closed for a significant period of time, a police spokesperson said.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand said three fire trucks and multiple support vehicles were at the single-vehicle crash.
A spokesperson confirmed the vehicle had gone off the road and people were trapped.
A police vehicle at a cordon on Masters Rd, Waiuku, after a single-vehicle crash. Photo / Supplied
Earlier, residents said rescue helicopters, police, fire trucks and an ambulance had raced to the scene.
A worker whose business is on the road of the crash told the Herald there was a large presence of police and other emergency services on the scene.
He said he could see nine police vehicles, one helicopter, two fire trucks and an ambulance.
A resident walking his dog saw helicopters leave the Waiuku crash site, along with a large number of emergency vehicles heading to the scene.
Another resident said he saw rescue helicopters in the air about 1km from where he was walking his dog. He also saw lots of emergency vehicles go past with sirens on.
A spokesperson for Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopter said a crew was in attendance at Waiuku but no further details were available.
Hato Hone St John also confirmed crews responded to the incident on Masters Rd but referred further comment to police.
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