Wellington Police thank Tranzit Group for Terrace Tunnel assistance

Wellington Police today enjoyed a morning tea with Tranzit Group staff who provided assistance during an incident in the Terrace Tunnel earlier this month.
 
On 3 January,  a man climbed on to pipes above the Tunnel, following a crash. 
 
The man was in an extremely distressed state and a lengthy police operation ensued to bring him down safely.
 
After nearly 11 hours, the man came down of his own volition after speaking to a family member and Police negotiators. 
 
During the operation, Wellington Police requested the use of a number of double decker buses from Tranzit Group.
 
The buses, with police officers on board, were driven into the tunnel by Tranzit staff, who remained in the buses during the entire operation.
 
The placement of the buses was one of the ways that police worked to keep the man safe and reduce the risk to him while he was above the tunnel.
 
Wellington District Commander, Inspector Chris Bensemann, says today’s morning tea was Wellington Police’s way of acknowledging the invaluable assistance provided by Tranzit Group and their staff.
 
“Tranzit Group responded to our request immediately, allowing us to get the buses in place quickly, thereby greatly reducing the risk to the man involved in this incident,” says Inspector Bensemann.
 
“I was extremely impressed by all those involved, and I was particularly taken by the way Tranzit Group is really working hard to provide a great service for the Wellington community.”
 
"They are an extremely positive organisation and nothing was a problem for them.”
 
“The morning tea was a small but well-deserved acknowledgement of what they did to help Wellington Police, the man involved, and the wider community.”
 
ENDS
 
Issued by Police Media Centre.