Key Takeaways
- A 20-year-old Swedish tourist, Måns Loke Bernhardsson, has been formally identified as one of the victims of the Mount Maunganui landslide
- Six people died in the landslide, which occurred last Thursday
- Bernhardsson was travelling around New Zealand with two friends and was described as "super kind and loveable" by his family
- The family has received overwhelming support from the community, officials, and people in Sweden
- Rescue efforts at Mount Maunganui have resumed after being paused due to concerns about land movement
Introduction to the Tragedy
The Mount Maunganui landslide has claimed another victim, with 20-year-old Swedish tourist Måns Loke Bernhardsson being formally identified at a coroner’s hearing at Tauranga District Court. The landslide, which occurred last Thursday, resulted in the deaths of six people, and the identification of Bernhardsson brings some closure to his family and friends. Coroner Louella Dunn expressed her condolences to Bernhardsson’s loved ones, stating that he was a tourist who "tragically died" while enjoying the country. Dunn also acknowledged the professional and reliable work of the police in handling the situation.
The Victim’s Background
Bernhardsson was described by his family as "super kind and loveable", and was a cherished member of his family. His father and uncle, Nils and Anders, released a statement saying that their hearts are broken and they will miss him dearly. Bernhardsson was a talented artist and athlete, who loved downhill skiing and gymnastics. He was travelling around New Zealand in a campervan with two friends on a hastily booked trip, and had fallen in love with the country. His family said that he often expressed his desire to stay in New Zealand for as long as possible. Bernhardsson’s love for art and sports was evident in his personality, and he was loved by his friends and family in Sweden and New Zealand.
The Identification Process
The identification of Bernhardsson’s body was made possible through forensic dental examination and DNA analysis. Detective Sergeant Brent Griffiths told the court that the body was found on Saturday, and the identification process was thorough and reliable. The formal identification of Bernhardsson comes after the first victim, 15-year-old Max Furse-Key, was identified on Wednesday, which would have been his 16th birthday. The identification process is an important step in bringing closure to the families of the victims, and allows them to begin the grieving process. The use of forensic dental examination and DNA analysis is a crucial tool in identifying victims, and has become a standard practice in such cases.
The Family’s Response
Bernhardsson’s family has received overwhelming support from the community, officials, and people in Sweden. They expressed their gratitude for the support, saying that it has helped them through this difficult time. The family’s statement highlights the impact that the landslide has had on them, and the importance of support from others during times of tragedy. The community’s response to the tragedy has been remarkable, with many people coming forward to offer their condolences and support to the families of the victims. The support from the community, officials, and people in Sweden has been a testament to the power of human kindness and compassion.
The Ongoing Response
Rescue efforts at Mount Maunganui have resumed after being paused for a second time due to concerns about land movement. The technology that had been installed to monitor land movement was triggered, prompting a temporary halt to the rescue efforts. The resumption of rescue efforts is a positive step towards recovering the remaining victims and bringing closure to their families. The rescue efforts have been ongoing since the landslide occurred, and the teams involved have been working tirelessly to recover the victims and make the area safe. The use of technology to monitor land movement is an important tool in ensuring the safety of the rescue teams and preventing further tragedies.
Conclusion
The formal identification of Måns Loke Bernhardsson as one of the victims of the Mount Maunganui landslide is a tragic reminder of the devastating impact of the disaster. The support from the community, officials, and people in Sweden has been overwhelming, and has helped the family through this difficult time. As the rescue efforts continue, the community remains hopeful that the remaining victims will be recovered and that the families will be able to find closure. The Mount Maunganui landslide has had a profound impact on the community, and it will take time for the families and loved ones of the victims to come to terms with their loss. However, with the support of the community and the ongoing rescue efforts, there is hope for healing and recovery. The tragedy has also highlighted the importance of safety measures and emergency preparedness, and has prompted a review of the safety protocols in place to prevent such tragedies in the future.
