High school student among three killed in Hawke’s Bay accident on the way to work

Three people who died in a devastating accident in downtown Hawke’s Bay were former and current Dannevirke High School students and were on their way to work when the accident occurred.

The three young victims were in a car traveling on State Highway 2, near the small town of Takapau, when it collided with a truck yesterday afternoon.

Emergency services responded to the scene, between Snee Rd and Byrne Rd, at 2.48 p.m.

Dannevirke High School principal Di Carter confirmed that one of the deceased was a current student, while the other two had recently left the school.

“Our school is devastated by the loss of our students,” he said.

In a statement to the Herald, a Silver Fern Farms spokesperson confirmed that those involved worked with the company.

“Silver Fern Farms is very sad to confirm that the employees were involved in the traffic accident near Takapau.

“Our thoughts are with their families and our team at Takapau.”

A minute of silence for co-workers

An employee said staff honored their coworkers with a minute of silence after being informed of the tragedy.

He said they were on their way to work when they were involved in the accident.

The company now seeks to ensure that the families of the victims are being cared for at this time.

“We are supporting them through this tragic incident.”

Tararua Mayor Tracey Collis said the accident was devastating.

“There has been a lot of devastation in the school and in the community right now.

“It is absolutely tragic for the current and past students of many years and it is deeply felt by the whole community, the teachers, the students and all the whānau.

“We want to express our deepest condolences to the whānau and the community in general.

“At the moment, we are organizing the support that will be available at the school for teachers, students and whanau in the coming weeks to mourn the loss.”

The truck driver was airlifted to Hawke’s Bay Hospital.

Police are now investigating the circumstances of the accident and are asking for witnesses to appear.

Terrible year on the roads of Hawke’s Bay

A total of 23 people died on the roads of Hawke’s Bay in 2020, the highest death toll in the previous five years.

Of the 23 deaths, nine have been drivers and seven passengers.

The remaining seven are made up of four pedestrians and three motorcyclists.

Fifteen of the fatal crashes have occurred on state highways, four on open roads and four on urban roads.

A total of 14 men and nine women have died on the region’s roads this year.

An investigation into the circumstances of the accident is underway.

A total of 296 people have died on roads across the country.

Can you help? Contact the police at 105