-
The scene of the deadly crash north of Taupo - Source: ONE News -
Watch Video
-
Related
Eight fatal crashes since Friday's horror smash near Taupo are being investigated by police as they reflect on one of the worst three days on the roads in recent history.
The carnage began with a fiery crash north of Taupo on Friday afternoon which left five people, including four in one van, dead.
Police say it appeared a black Chrysler had shunted a BMW before losing control, crossing the centre line and crashing into the van, which burst into flames.
Inspector Mike O'Leary saw the crash unfold and managed to pull two boys from the wreck, but Georgina Taitapanui, 45, her daughter Anna Marie Kemp, 22, her adopted son Ratapu, three, and Anna Marie's partner Wellis Lauano, 23, all died.
The driver of the Chrysler, Peter De Wildt Pie, 42, was also killed and his 11-year-old daughter was left seriously injured.
Pie's wife Denise issued a statement offering her deepest sympathies to the families involved in the crash.
"I'd just like to say that I'm terribly, terribly sorry for what happened."
She thanked bystanders who helped out at the scene and praised the "courageous" efforts of O'Leary.
The incident was the first in a string of fatal crashes over three days which claimed 13 lives, putting the toll for the year to date - 143 - well ahead of the previous two years and leaving police pleading for motorists to drive carefully.
Police still want to speak to people who may have seen the vehicles involved in the Taupo crash, and say there was at least one report of a black car driving erratically beforehand.
Also on Friday, Terrence John Schwass, 73, died after a two-car collision in Nelson.
Over the next two days there were seven more fatal crashes, including one in Bulls, one in Waikato, one north of Auckland and four in the Auckland region.
National Road Policing manager, Superintendent Paula Rose, said it was an appalling weekend as far as crashes went and urged motorists to be patient and drive to conditions.
She also urged motorists who saw anyone driving dangerously at any time to call police and report such behaviour.
"We take those calls very seriously because they are crashes in the making," she says.
Rose says aside from those killed over the weekend, others were left seriously injured and some may not survive.
She says such carnage was hard on police officers who had to respond.
"It hits us really hard, especially those who have responded and do an absolutely fantastic job at the scene. ..
"But it is hard to come back to work again after witnessing some
of the sights that our staff have seen over the weekend."
What is wrong on our roads? What is going on that so many
people can die in just four days and how can we tackle it. Share
your thoughts on the message board below.
Latest NZ News Video
-
Dance to save Shakti service (0:41)
-
The changing face of farming (1:49)
-
ONE Weather 6pm update: 26 May (4:56)
Add a Comment:
Post new commentchikai said on 2009-04-28 @ 23:05 NZDT: Report abusive post
I can't help wondering how much personal predjudice is in the messages posted. Get rid of the emotion and look clearly at the situation. This weekend we had wet roads after a long dry spell. Our road surfaces are mainly ashplalt topped, a oil byproduct, rain makes it slippery after it has been dry for a period of time, If the drivers had not adjusted to the conditions,it is no wonder they lost control of their vehicles. We rely too much on tyre grip, rather than common sense.
benbear said on 2009-04-27 @ 23:32 NZDT: Report abusive post
I have been in NZ for 3 months this year and I have to say that the driving standard here is the worst I have ever seen. Continually I have been tail-gated had people pass approachimng bends at high speed people passing on the brow of hills and it is only by the grace of god that no-one died. The best drivers on NZ roads are easily by miles the truck drivers and to the family and friends of a fellow trucker from the Uk I offer my sincere condolences May he rest in peace.
roadie69 said on 2009-04-27 @ 23:26 NZDT: Report abusive post
I manage to drive well enough on twisty roads without crashing i use what they call a 'steering wheel' and 'brakes' but maybe it's as i was not eating a mc'donalds and throwing beer bottles from my car window - i presume that being able to do this is the only requirement for a lisence in New Zealand.
dantanyon said on 2009-04-27 @ 22:27 NZDT: Report abusive post
nothing wrong with our roads its the nut behind the wheel.we live near a corner and it is very sharp it has barriers around it there are three signs before the corner 65 klm they pass my place at 100 to120 klm thump bang over they go, the cars that go 65 klm go round the corner nicely no problem,its the nut behind the wheel.
ICEANGELZ said on 2009-04-27 @ 18:35 NZDT: Report abusive post
The truck driver is a close family member of mine. Our family is so devastated. We are all in disbelief. Why do our roads take so many of our loved ones away??? Is it always the drivers, or a combination of other factors???