The driver of a car involved in the crash on Maungatapu Bridge that claimed the life of electrician Greg Woledge is facing charges.
Police have today charged the 45-year-old driver of a Mitsubishi that collided with the AMPT Electrical van on the Maungatapu causeway on August 12.
Greg Woledge died when the van he was in crashed off the Maungatapu Bridge.
The van, being driven by 24-year-old Greg, crashed through the bridge railings and into the harbour.
Tauranga Police have now charged a 45-year-old Tauranga man with careless driving causing death and injury, falsifying his log book, possession of cannabis for supply and possession of cannabis seeds and utensils.
He is to appear in the Tauranga District Court on February 14.
Greg was driving his work van on the Maungatapu causeway towards Welcome Bay when police say the Mitsubishi travelling towards Mount Maunganui crossed the centreline, colliding with the van.
The van plunged about five metres into Rangataua Bay on the Welcome Bay side of the causeway at 6.10pm on Monday, August 12.
Gregory's passenger, a 23-year-old work colleague, managed to free himself and was rescued by Police Constable Deane O'Connor, a member of the Strategic Traffic Unit at Western Bay of Plenty Police.
The 45-year-old male driver of the Mitsubishi, and a 30-year-old woman and 31-year-old man from the third vehicle were taken to hospital with minor to moderate injuries.
7 comments
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Posted on 08-01-2014 14:05 | By NZgirl
Such a sad event that could of been averted. This is going to be yet another hard time for the victims family. Hopefully this will bring some kind of resolution for them.
Theodorus
Posted on 08-01-2014 22:25 | By Theodorus
This is another good example why we must condemn the use of cannabis as this appears to be the cause of the erratic driving by the offending driver!
even
Posted on 08-01-2014 23:03 | By Capt_Kaveman
though this bridge will always be a killer but nzta dont think there is enough deaths to justify upgrading or building another bridge
Bridge Upgrade
Posted on 09-01-2014 13:45 | By adyhutch
They don't need to replace the bridge, just put in a proper crash barrier. The one they have now is a safety barrier which wouldn't stop any vehicle crashing through it.
capt_kaveman
Posted on 09-01-2014 16:03 | By maildrop
Good idea Kavey. Let's spend millions on another bridge and make it 6 lanes. 2 lanes for attentive drivers and 4 spare ones for people who cannot keep it straight. Problem solved. ;)
Theo duh rous
Posted on 10-01-2014 21:58 | By drgoon
The use of cannabis is already illegal.
That's a mighty big leap
Posted on 11-01-2014 15:31 | By tish
from possession of cannabis and utensils to being under the influence. The log book falsification has more potential relevance to the accident at that time of night when someone can't stay on his side of the road in a wind than some weed in a car does. As for the bridge, nothing wrong with it if competent drivers obey rules.
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