A fatal crash happened on Lloyd St in Parkvale, Tauranga, about 8.20pm. Photo / Google
Two people have died overnight in the first fatal crashes of this year’s Christmas road toll period.
One person died after a crash involving a car and a motorbike in Tauranga last night.
Emergency services were called to the two-vehicle crash in the suburb of Parkvale on Lloyd St about 8.20pm.
The motorbike rider died at the scene, police said in a statement.
The Serious Crash Unit attended and inquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.
A Hato Hone St John spokesperson yesterday said two road ambulances, a rapid response unit and an operations manager attended the crash.
Images from the scene show emergency services blocking the road as authorities hold up white sheets. Police closed the road for a period.
A significantly damaged motorcycle could be seen lying on the footpath.
Police have also confirmed one person died after a serious crash in Wharehine near Auckland last night.
Emergency services were called to the single-vehicle crash on Pah Hill Rd about 10.15pm.
The sole occupant of the vehicle died at the scene.
The Serious Crash Unit attended and conducted a scene examination.
Inquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.
The official Christmas-New Year holiday road toll period began at 4pm on Tuesday, December 24 and runs until 6am on Friday, January 3.
Director of road policing, Superintendent Steve Greally, said 21 people were killed in crashes over the holiday period last year - a figure that road safety partners don’t want to see repeated.
“The four main behaviours that contribute to deaths and injuries will again be a focus for police over the Christmas period as it has been all year round. Those behaviours being speed, driving while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or fatigue, driving distracted using a cell phone and not being properly restrained.”
Greally said road deaths and serious injuries over the holiday period are preventable.
“We have seen over time that our enforcement action has proven to deter people from driving dangerously.”
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