Police seek further witnesses to fatal bridge crash
Tuesday, 13 August 2013 - 7:01pm
Bay Of Plenty
Police investigating a fatal crash on the Mangatapu Bridge, Tauranga last evening (Monday, 12 August) are still keen to
hear from any witnesses who haven't yet been spoken to by Police.
The crash occurred at approximately 6.10pm in the centre of the bridge. Early indications suggest that a Mitsubishi
vehicle travelling east towards Mount Maunganui drifted across the centre line colliding with a Toyota van travelling in
the opposite direction. The van left the bridge and plunged approximately five metres into the water which was five
metres deep. The Mitsubishi vehicle spun and another car which had been travelling behind the Mitsubishi struck it.
The drive of the van died and police divers this afternoon recovered his body from the submerged vehicle. A passenger in
the van managed to get free from the vehicle and was helped to shore by a police officer who jumped into the water to
rescue him. The male driver of the Mitsubishi and a man and a woman from the third vehicle were taken to hospital with
minor to moderate injuries.
Anyone with any information about this crash is asked to contact Tauranga Police on 07 577 4300.
ENDS