As drivers return home, police are urging them to remain patient on the roads.
This provisional death toll marks the most lethal King’s Birthday road toll since 2016, when 11 fatalities were recorded.
Three Fatalities in Desert Road Collision
Early Monday morning, a two-vehicle crash on State Highway 1 near Waiouru resulted in three fatalities at the scene, with two others sustaining serious injuries.
Emergency services responded to the scene around 2:55am.
Initially, another person believed to be involved was reported missing. However, by Monday evening, police confirmed that he had been located and there were no further concerns for his safety.
The injured parties include an 11-year-old girl and a 39-year-old woman, both traveling in a different vehicle.
Ruapehu District Mayor Weston Kirton expressed the community’s sympathy for those affected by the accident.
“It’s tragic on a long weekend where it’s busy. We extend our sincere condolences to the families involved and hope to address the underlying issues,” he stated.
Four More Fatalities in Separate Accidents
On Waiheke Island, a single-vehicle accident claimed one life. Emergency services were called to Onetangi Road around 1:30am on Monday.
At Wairakei, north of Taupō, another individual died following an overnight crash, confirmed by police on Monday morning.
Additionally, a person was killed in a two-vehicle collision just before 6:30pm on Friday at Te Heuheu Road in Taupō.
Another fatality occurred after a two-vehicle crash on Friday evening on State Highway 1 at Allanton, south of Dunedin. Police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with footage of the crash, as well as those who stopped at the scene before police arrived.
Police Urge Caution and Safety on the Roads
Steve Greally, Police Director of Road Policing, described the impact on families as “absolutely gutting” during a statement on Monday morning.
He emphasized the importance of taking every safety measure while returning from the holiday.
“Many will be traveling home from the long weekend, and with expected poor weather, including torrential rain in some areas, it’s crucial to be patient,” Greally advised.
“Our thoughts are with the families dealing with the harsh reality of these losses.”
“We repeatedly stress that four major factors contribute to road deaths or serious injuries,” Greally continued.
“These include speeding, not wearing seatbelts, driving while distracted, or driving impaired, including due to tiredness.”
“If you’re on the road today, please buckle up, put your phone away, watch your speed, and avoid driving if impaired by alcohol, drugs, or fatigue,” he urged.
“These precautions could mean the difference between arriving home safely or not.”
By midday Monday, the Desert Road had reopened, although police continued work in the area and advised drivers to proceed with caution.
The Ministry of Transport stated that the holiday road toll for King’s Birthday weekend is calculated from 4pm on the Friday to 6am on the Tuesday.
