Police seek further witnesses to fatal bridge crash

Tuesday, 13 August 2013 - 7:01pm

Bay Of Plenty

Police investigating a fatal crash on the Mangatapu Bridge, Tauranga last evening (Monday, 12 August) are still keen to hear from any witnesses who haven't yet been spoken to by Police.

The crash occurred at approximately 6.10pm in the centre of the bridge. Early indications suggest that a Mitsubishi vehicle travelling east towards Mount Maunganui drifted across the centre line colliding with a Toyota van travelling in the opposite direction. The van left the bridge and plunged approximately five metres into the water which was five metres deep. The Mitsubishi vehicle spun and another car which had been travelling behind the Mitsubishi struck it.

The drive of the van died and police divers this afternoon recovered his body from the submerged vehicle. A passenger in the van managed to get free from the vehicle and was helped to shore by a police officer who jumped into the water to rescue him. The male driver of the Mitsubishi and a man and a woman from the third vehicle were taken to hospital with minor to moderate injuries.

Anyone with any information about this crash is asked to contact Tauranga Police on 07 577 4300.

ENDS

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