The person killed when a car crashed into a river in Bay of Plenty has been named, as police urge drivers of vehicles in the area before the incident to come forward with information.
Whakatāne woman Ngahina Takarangi, 44, was killed in the crash on White Pine Bush Rd near Tāneatua just after 6pm on Tuesday. A second person was seriously injured.
In an update this afternoon, police urged the drivers of two vehicles seen near the scene of the crash to speak to them as investigations continued.
Inspector Paul Wilson, Eastern Bay of Plenty Area Commander confirmed that prior to the crash a red Honda Accord was seen travelling over the speed limit on Reid Rd.
He said a police vehicle travelling the other direction observed the vehicle at speed, but was unable to locate the vehicle as it travelled towards White Pine Bush Rd.
“Police believe there were two other vehicles near or on the Pekatahi Bridge at the time of the crash, and we’d like to speak to the occupants of those vehicles to understand what they saw,” he said.
“Additionally, we’re still seeking information from anybody who saw a red Honda Accord travelling in and around Tāneatua between 5.30pm and 6pm on Tuesday, December 2.”
Anyone with information was urged to contact police via 105, either over the phone or online.
