Police are asking for witnesses to a serious crash in the Bay of Plenty to come forward.
Two silver Toyota vehicles crashed head-on on State Highway 2 Otamarakau, near Pukehina, on Sunday afternoon.
Two cars crashed on State Highway 2 Otamarakau near Pukehina. Photo: Supplied.
Police were called to the crash scene about 1.30pm after the vehicles, which were traveling in opposite directions, crashed.
'The driver of one of the cars received critical head injuries as a result of the crash, she was airlifted directly to Waikato hospital for emergency surgery,” says Trustpower TECT Rescue Helicopter pilot and base manager Liam Brettkelly.
'The driver of the other car was taken to Tauranga Hospital by St John ambulance in a moderate condition.”
State Highway 2 Otamarakau was closed for just over 2.5 hours and diversions were put in place diverting traffic onto old coach road, MacDougall Quarry Road and Otamarakau Valley Road, whilst emergency services and the Police serious crash unit were in attendance at the scene, says Shannon.
'It's too early to indicate the cause of the accident but it's believed that one of the vehicles crossed the centre line.
'The road was re-opened at about 4.20pm.”
Police are seeking any witnesses to the crash, and ask that anyone with information contact Tauranga Police on 07 577 4300.
Alternatively, information can be left anonymously via the Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 line.
8 comments
Stating the obvious
Posted on 27-04-2016 07:40 | By Amnesia Oasis
"but it's believed that one of the vehicles crossed the center line". That's obvious is it not? Look at the photo.....narrow road, double continuous lines which should NEVER be crossed under any circumstances. Another case of complete disrespect for other drivers.
Hi Ho Silver
Posted on 27-04-2016 10:46 | By Road Ranger
Wait until the investigation is completed. It could be a number of factors which contributed to it, wet road, speed, inexperience and fatigue.
Factors
Posted on 27-04-2016 14:34 | By Amnesia Oasis
Wet road, speed, inexperience, fatigue. Not one of those factors is justification for crossing a double line. The only factor at play is contempt.
Nothing obvious at all
Posted on 27-04-2016 14:58 | By JasonE
One thing common about all accidents is that they are accidents. Your "Disrespect" is a driver (at worst) making a mistake. And in this case we don't know what happened or why would the Police expert accident investigators seek witnesses? I didn't see the crash but I saw the result soon after and I don't know what happened. So please show some compassion rather than leap to judge and have some respect for the injured drivers, one of which is fighting for her life.
Empathy Please
Posted on 27-04-2016 15:15 | By Concerned62
Hey, this 19 year old girl who is fighting for her life is also someone's daughter, someone's sister, someone's sister-in-law, someone's granddaughter. Rather than comment about who may of done what , let's not forget there were TWO drivers in this accident so there are always TWO sides to the story. How about we stop speculating and start praying for a good outcome for this young girl and her family....
Jason
Posted on 28-04-2016 06:56 | By maildrop
Whilst we don't know what happened here, I take issue with your view that all accidents are mistakes. Texting while driving and crossing the centre line is not a mistake or accident. Drink driving is not a mistake or accident. I could go on. There are very few true mistakes. Most "accidents" are a result of wreckless behaviour. If a texter or drunk smashed into you or took the life of one of your loved ones would you be calling it an accident?
Right on maildrop!
Posted on 28-04-2016 09:18 | By Amnesia Oasis
The word "accident" is a complete misnomer because the word "accident" means: "a sudden event (such as a crash) that is not planned or intended and that causes damage or injury". (Source: Merriam-Webster dictionary.) As maildrop correctly asserts, driving while texting, driving while inebriated, etc. are planned and intentional acts. They are not mistakes nor accidents. The correct word is "collision".
Amnesia
Posted on 01-05-2016 22:28 | By Kenworthlogger
Read the tiltle. It actually says crash....
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