Updates on two fatal car crashes in Waitemata over holiday weekend

Tuesday, 22 April 2014 - 1:58pm

Police investigating the fatal car crash in Kumeu on Thursday night that killed 40 year-old Alofa Afaese of Helensville are calling for witnesses to the events that lead to the crash.

The crash happened in Kumeu, at around 7pm. Witnesses report that a green Honda CRV and a black Mitsubishi Pajero were both travelling on State Highway 16 from the Westgate area, towards Kumeu. The crash occurred near the roundabout at the intersection of Old North Road and State Highway 16.

Witnesses have told Police that one of the vehicles may have cut the other car off several minutes earlier, and investigators are considering whether that sparked a chain of events that led to the tragic crash.

"Other motorists may have witnessed this, and don't realise that they hold an important clue into helping us determine how this terrible event happened" says Inspector Mark Fergus, Waitemata Road Policing Manager.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Waitemata Serious Crash Unit on 09 481 0345.

The driver of the car that Mrs Afaese was travelling in has now been released from hospital, as well as a child who was a passenger. Another two children who were passengers remain in Starship Hospital, their condition is described as stable. The Afaese family is being supported by Victim Support.

Meanwhile the Serious Crash Unit investigation into the death of a 27 year-old woman in Riverhead yesterday morning is also continuing.

Lysette Michelle Brown, of Whenuapai was killed after her vehicle collided with a truck on the Coatesville Riverhead Highway (State Highway 28).

"The truck driver is being spoken to by Police, and it will be at least several weeks before we establish exactly how this crash happened" says Inspector Fergus.

"What we can say though is that our thoughts are with both families of the women who died and our sympathies are with them at this terrible time. No-one who hops in a car expects their journey to end this way and I have no doubt that both of these awful outcomes will remind anyone who gets behind the wheel that we all need to take greater care on our roads" says Inspector Fergus.

Ms Brown's family are being supported by Victim Support.

ENDS

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