One person has died following a severe collision between a motorcycle and a passenger car towing a trailer on Great Barrier Island this afternoon.
The incident occurred near 400 Shoal Bay Road shortly after midday. Out of respect for the family, the BT will release no further details regarding the deceased.
The crash forced a prolonged closure of the route between Gooseberry Flat and Mulberry Grove, but Shoal Bay Road has now been reopened to traffic following an on-site scene examination.
Local emergency services were the first to attend the scene to provide initial assistance before a specialist Serious Crash Unit was helicoptered from Auckland to take over the inquiry.
In a statement to the Barrier Times, police confirmed: “One person has died following a serious crash on Great Barrier Island this afternoon.”
Detailing the initial response, police said: “Emergency services were called to a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Mulberry Grove Road and Shoal Bay Road at around 12.20pm. Sadly, one person was located deceased at the scene. There are no other reports of injuries. The Serious Crash Unit is in attendance, conducting a scene examination.”
Hato Hone St John spokesperson Siobhan Campbell also provided a statement to the Barrier Times: “Hato Hone St John was notified of a motor vehicle incident on Great Barrier Island at 12:19 and responded one PRIME vehicle and one first response unit. Our crews were not required for transportation.”
The area will be blessed by local kaumātua at 3pm Sunday.
He kura tangihia, he maimoa aroha.
Additional notes: Due to the serious incident closing the road, chilled and frozen goods from the Tryphena Wharf ferry could not be retrieved. They have been placed in cold storage and are available for pickup at the Mulberry Grove Store.
