Te Kūiti crash: Detached boat and trailer caused fatality on SH3

One person died after a boat and trailer detached and crashed into an oncoming vehicle near Te Kūiti on July 11.

A person was killed after a boat and trailer detached and crashed into a vehicle near Te Kūiti, police say.

Emergency services were called to the crash on State Highway 3, south of the town about 11.30am on July 11.

Detective Sergeant Harry Hodgson said the crash involved a vehicle that was hit by a boat and trailer unit that had detached from an oncoming vehicle.

“Sadly, one person died as a result of the crash and investigations into the circumstances are ongoing.

“Police would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the crash, or anyone who saw a southbound black SUV towing the boat prior to the crash.”

Hodgson said they want to talk to witnesses who left the scene before emergency services arrived or anyone who drove past the crash immediately after.

“This includes the driver of a white ute that was heading south, and [a] white flat-deck ute with a large blue box on the rear, and a Nissan SUV, both heading north.

“Police would also like to hear from anybody who has dashcam footage and was travelling in either direction on State Highway 3 between Ōtorohanga and Piopio between 11am and 11.30am.”

“If you have any information, please contact police via 105 either over the phone or online, using the reference number 250711/6167.”