Close call for investigators as car stops just short of Taupiri crash cordon

The incident occurred at the police cordon near the Taupiri crash scene where Gordon James Thompson, also known as Anaru Jordan Tamehana, died last night. Photo / File

Crash investigators mapping out the scene of a fatal collision overnight had a close call today as a distracted speeding driver stopped just short of the cordon.

The incident occurred at the police cordon near the Taupiri crash scene where Gordon James Thompson, also known as Anaru Jordan Tamehana, died last night, Huntly Sergeant Neil Mansill said.

The crash that killed the 36-year-old Pukekohe man also critically injured another driver.

Mr Mansill was driving towards the cordoned-off area when he saw a car accelerate away from a Taupiri round-about, he said.

It was travelling at more than 100km/h in an 80km/h zone and accelerated up to 112km/h after he reached the 100km/h zone, he said.

Mr Mansill stopped the driver just short of the police cordon where investigators were on the ground, he said.

"When stopped the driver told me he was not paying attention and was looking at his GPS, his car was stopped just short of the cordon where crash investigators were examining the scene of the crash," Mr Mansill said.

"Of concern for police was that three drivers had been stopped on roads nearby travelling at speeds between 143-176km/h and these incidents indicate motorists are simply not paying attention to their driving environment."

The Serious Crash Unit had been on site since this morning, mapping out the scene of the crash, while traffic management staff were on hand to warn motorists to slow down.