Key Takeaways
- A road worker has died in a crash near Comet Rd and Kuripapongo Bridge at Ngamahanga, on the Napier-Taihape Rd.
- The crash occurred in an area where road works were being carried out to improve the busy road.
- The road is a vital alternative to SH5 Napier-Taupo Rd and has been under strain due to increased log traffic.
- An investigation into the circumstances of the crash is ongoing, led by WorkSafe and police.
- The road was closed following the crash but has since reopened to one lane around the scene.
Introduction to the Incident
The crash happened near Comet Rd and Kuripapongo Bridge at Ngamahanga, about halfway up Napier-Taihape Rd, inside the Hawke’s Bay boundary. This area is known for its challenging road conditions, with the road weaving over the Kaweka mountain range. The Napier-Taihape Rd is a main alternative to SH5 Napier-Taupo Rd, making it a vital route for commuters and log trucks. The road has been under strain in recent times due to increased log traffic, with many logs being diverted to rail to reduce the toll on the road.
Response from Downer NZ
Downer NZ managing director Murray Robertson expressed his deepest condolences to the family of the deceased road worker. He stated that the company was "deeply saddened" by the loss of one of their team members and that their focus was on supporting the whānau and colleagues of the deceased. Robertson did not share further details about the incident, citing the ongoing investigation. The company’s response highlights the devastating impact of the crash on the team and the importance of supporting those affected.
Reaction from Local Authorities
Watson, a local authority representative, was aware of the tragedy and expressed his thoughts and condolences to the family of the deceased. He had been in touch with iwi representatives who were planning to visit and bless the site. Watson preferred not to share details about the crash, given the ongoing WorkSafe investigation. He did, however, provide context about the road works taking place in the area, which were council-initiated remedial works following damage to the road. The road works were necessary due to the increased log traffic, which had taken a toll on the road.
Investigation and Road Closure
A police spokeswoman confirmed that police inquiries into the circumstances of the crash were ongoing, and there were no charges laid at this stage. WorkSafe also confirmed that they were jointly investigating the circumstances of the road worker’s death, alongside police. A rescue helicopter and ambulance attended the scene, and the road was closed following the crash. However, it was reopened to one lane around the scene later that night. The western half of Napier-Taihape Rd is owned and managed by Rangitikei District Council, while Hastings District Council owns and manages the eastern half of the 115km-long road.
Impact on the Community
The crash has had a significant impact on the community, with many logs being diverted to rail to reduce the toll on the road. The road is a vital route for commuters and log trucks, and the increased traffic had taken a strain on the road. The council-initiated remedial works were necessary to improve the road conditions, but the crash highlights the risks and challenges faced by road workers. The incident is a reminder of the importance of prioritizing road safety and supporting those affected by tragic events.
Conclusion
The crash on Napier-Taihape Rd has resulted in the tragic loss of a road worker’s life. The incident is being investigated by WorkSafe and police, and the road was closed temporarily following the crash. The road is a vital route for commuters and log trucks, and the increased traffic had taken a strain on the road. The community is coming together to support the family of the deceased, and the incident highlights the importance of prioritizing road safety and supporting those affected by tragic events.
