Kapiti Mayor offers condolences to crash victims
9.45 Sunday 17 February, 2008
Kapiti Mayor Jenny Rowan has described today’s air crash in Paraparaumu today as a “major tragedy” for family and
friends of the victims, and for the district as a whole.
“This is an incredibly sad day for everyone, especially for family and friends of the deceased. It is not only a tragedy
for this community, it is also a tragedy for the aviation community,” she said.
“On behalf of the District, I offer sincere condolences to the family and friends of the deceased. My thoughts are with
all those who have been frightened or traumatized by this event,” she said.
“It’s been an horrific day for the Placemakers staff, and for the neighbours in houses surrounding the crash site –
there are some seriously traumatized people out there.”
Ms Rowan said it was a miracle more people weren’t injured or killed in the accident.
“When you see the site, it’s hard to believe we got off so lightly. The engine of the plane dropped through the roof of
one house, the battery dropped into another, and one of the wheels fall down between two kitchen windows in yet another
property.”
“I want to thank all those who’ve helped mange the crisis. Our emergency services have been brilliant, they were
coordinated, professional and really on the case. Victim Support did a fantastic job – they were on the ground almost
immediately, and Council staff turned out promptly to manage traffic, block off roads, and activate the civil defence
response.
The Raumati Civil Defence Headquarters was activated, as was the new Kapiti Civil Defence headquarters in Paraparaumu –
but neither was actually needed.
Ms Rowan is encouraging people in the vicinity of the crash site to cooperate with the police inquiry. She said people
who find debris in their gardens should call Kapiti Police on their dedicated number: 04 296 6805 immediately.
The Council will continue to work with residents, businesses, the police, and emergency services as part of a
coordinated emergency response.
ends