Key Takeaways
- A landslide hit a house on Welcome Bay Road in Pāpāmoa, resulting in the deaths of a grandmother and her grandchild.
- Two people were initially unaccounted for after the slip, and another person at the property was seriously injured.
- Multiple people remain unaccounted for at a Mt Maunganui campsite after a large slip came down on campervans and a shower block.
- The deaths at Welcome Bay Road will be referred to the Coroner, and Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell has confirmed the news.
Introduction to the Incident
A devastating landslide occurred on Welcome Bay Road in Pāpāmoa, claiming the lives of a grandmother and her grandchild. The tragic incident happened when a slip came down towards properties on the road, causing significant damage to at least one house. The police were able to recover two bodies from the home on Thursday, and another person at the property was seriously injured. The authorities are working to support the loved ones of the deceased, and the deaths will be referred to the Coroner for further investigation.
Emergency Response and Evacuations
The emergency services responded promptly to the incident, with police and other agencies working together to evacuate nearby properties and search for anyone who may have been affected by the landslide. The road was closed, and residents in the surrounding area were advised to stay indoors and avoid traveling unless necessary. The police confirmed that at least one house on Welcome Bay Road suffered damage in the early-morning slip, and others were also evacuated as a precautionary measure. The emergency response team worked tirelessly to ensure the safety of everyone in the area and to provide support to those affected by the tragedy.
Mt Maunganui Campsite Incident
In a separate incident, multiple people remain unaccounted for at a Mt Maunganui campsite after a large slip came down on campervans and a shower block just after 9:30 am on Thursday. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of campers and travelers in the area, and the authorities are working to locate those who may be missing. The emergency services are doing their best to respond to the situation, and an investigation will be conducted to determine the cause of the slip and to identify measures that can be taken to prevent such incidents in the future.
Official Response and Investigation
Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell confirmed the news of the deaths at Welcome Bay Road during an interview with an Australian news outlet. The minister’s statement acknowledged the tragedy and expressed sympathy for the families of the victims. The police are working to support the loved ones of the deceased, and the Coroner will investigate the deaths to determine the cause and circumstances surrounding the incident. The investigation will also examine the factors that contributed to the landslide and identify measures that can be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Conclusion and Support
The tragic events on Welcome Bay Road and at the Mt Maunganui campsite have shocked the community, and the authorities are working to provide support to those affected. The incidents serve as a reminder of the importance of being prepared for natural disasters and taking steps to mitigate their impact. The government and emergency services are working together to respond to the incidents and to provide assistance to those in need. As the investigation into the incidents continues, the community is coming together to support the families of the victims and to rebuild and recover from the tragedy.
