Update Karangahake Gorge fatal closes SH2

Waikato Police investigating this morning’s fatal collision that closed a vital link between their District and the Port of Tauranga say initial indications suggest a tragic quirk of nature may have contributed to the crash.

District Road Policing Manager, Inspector Freda Grace, said emergency services were still at the scene of this morning’s crash near the intersection of SH2 and Rahu Rd in the Karangahake Gorge.

“The crash, which happened about 10.40am, is currently under investigation by the Waikato Serious Crash Unit and it’s too early to confirm what caused the collision between an eastbound Holden Commodore sedan and a westbound Puegot car.

“What I can say however, is that we are looking into what part, if any, a large rock (similar in size to a medicine ball) found in the eastbound outside passing lane may have played in the crash.

It appears the man driving the Commodore may not have seen the boulder and struck it causing his car to career into the path of the Puegot.”

Mrs Grace said the sole occupant of the Commodore died in the crash while a female front seat passenger in the Puegot suffered serious injuries and was airlifted to Waikato Hospital.

The male driver of the Puegot suffered minor injuries and initial indications are alcohol was not a factor in the crash.

“There is still a lot of work to go through before we can conclude what has occurred.

SH2 is expected to be closed for some time and this has placed a strain on other roads as SH2 is a key route through our District linking the Ports of Tauranga and Auckland and is used by high numbers of heavy vehicles.

“Traffic has been diverted north and south via SH2-SH27-SH24 and SH29 over the Kaimai Range for southbound traffic and the reverse route for northbound travellers.

Drivers are advised to expect delays and exercise caution and patience while using this alternative route.”

Mrs Grace said today’s incident highlights the need for motorists to maintain their situational awareness at all times.

“Road safety is no accident.

By having drivers and vehicles fit for the road we can hopefully work to prevent tragedies such as this morning’s from occurring.”

End

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