A man has died after falling from the Newmarket Viaduct on Auckland’s Southern Motorway in the early hours of this morning, shortly after being allegedly observed speeding by police.
Police have launched a critical incident investigation to determine the circumstances of the incident.
According to a statement from police, a stationary police car was conducting speed checks on the Southern Motorway near Greenlane just before 1am this morning when a vehicle passed at “excessive speed”.
Superintendent Zane Hooper said the police unit activated its lights and started travelling in the same direction as the motorist.
Camera operators also began to monitor the vehicle’s movements at this time.
Hooper said the speeding vehicle collided with the centre barrier on the Newmarket Viaduct before moving to the left side and coming to a stop.
“The police unit that was some distance behind initially passed the stationary vehicle, which was obscured by a passing truck, and was advised by camera operators.”
The driver of the vehicle then exited the vehicle as the police unit redirected itself back onto the motorway sometime later.
“Before the police unit arrived at the stationary vehicle, a camera operator has observed the man climb over the motorway barrier where he has either fallen or dropped to the ground below the overbridge,” Hooper said.
At its highest point, the Newmarket Viaduct is 23m above the street below.
“Police patrols were immediately deployed to the commercial area below the Newmarket flyover and provided first aid.”
The man died at the scene, Hooper said.
“This is a tragic event for all those attending staff and welfare has been put in place for our people.”
Police had notified the Independent Police Conduct Authority.
