Six dead: weekend road toll rises after overnight accident in Tokomaru

It is proving to be a deadly holiday weekend on the country’s highways with a fatal accident in Horowhenua overnight that raised the toll to six.

Police say a driver died after an accident in Tokomaru around 11.30pm

The accident, which involved two vehicles, occurred at the intersection of Makerua and Williams Rds.

The driver and sole occupant of one of the vehicles died at the scene, police said.

A passenger in the second vehicle suffered moderate injuries.

The grim figure comes after five other fatal accidents across the country since Friday.

Yesterday, one person died after a car rolled down State Highway 35 in Tikitiki, on the east coast north of Gisborne, shortly after 2 p.m.

And a seriously injured motorcyclist is at Waikato Hospital after a serious accident north of Napier.

National Highway Traffic Safety Director Acting Superintendent Gini Welch called it a “devastating start” to the weekend.

“Most people behave safely on the roads most of the time, but it only takes a risky decision or a moment of inattention to cause a tragedy. Ultimately, the actions of each driver and cyclist make a difference. “

Heavy rains and high winds hitting the South Island are expected to hamper road conditions starting tonight, and congestion is expected when those on a weekend getaway return home tomorrow.

Waka Kotahi / NZTA urged motorists to plan ahead and be patient when encountering the inevitable traffic jams.

The weekday highway toll period ends at 6 a.m. M. From Tuesday.

Only one person died on our roads during the same holiday period in 2019.