08 February 2009
A motorcyclist was to undergo surgery in Waikato Hospital following a collision on SH30 north of Mangakino late this morning that left one man dead and three others injured.
Constable Glen Taylor of the Tokoroa Strategic Traffic Unit said the crash happened about 11.30am on Waipapa Rd (SH30)- between Mangakino and Arohena.
"The investigation into the cause of the crash is still ongoing however initial indications are a collision has occurred between a pair of motorbikes, one northbound the other southbound.
"It appears the northbound bike crossed the centreline into the path of two southbound bikes. A 47-year-old Te Aroha man riding one of the southbound bikes was killed and his 48-year-old female passenger was injured in the crash."
Mr Taylor said the two people on the third bike had a lucky escape when the rider took evasive action.
"The male rider of the other southbound bike was shaken but unhurt while his female passenger was also injured.
"Both female passengers' injuries were described as minor and they and the seriously injured rider of the northbound bike were airlifted to Waikato Hospital.
"The injured man was to undergo surgery this afternoon for serious leg injuries," he said.
Note to media; as this tragedy occurred in the Bay of Plenty Police District the appropriate point of contact is either Tokoroa Police or BOP District Headquarters.
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