Police seek witnesses after fatal Te Puke crash

Author: Bay of Plenty Times,
Publish Date: Sun, 11 Oct 2026, 2:03pm

Emergency services were called to the fatal crash on Saturday morning. Photo / NZME

Police are appealing for information following a fatal single-vehicle crash on Te Puke Highway on Saturday.

The crash happened at about 10.50am near the intersection of Te Puke Highway and Rangiuru Rd.

One person died at the scene, and another was taken to hospital in a critical condition.

Detective Senior Sergeant Natalie Flowerdew-Brown said a white 2005 Toyota Caldina crashed after allegedly travelling at high speed along Brown Rd before the incident.

“Police would like to hear from anyone who may have witnessed the crash or saw the white Toyota Caldina travelling on Brown Road or the surrounding area in the moments before 10.50am.

“Police would also appreciate being able to review any dashcam or CCTV footage you may have of the vehicle.”

A St John spokesperson earlier said paramedics treated one patient at the scene.

A nearby resident said: “I heard it happen but didn’t realise what it was. My dogs went bananas.”

After walking to the scene, the resident said the aftermath “looked bad”, and they did not want to get too close in case they saw something distressing.

Anyone with information is urged to contact police online via the 105 service and quote file number 261010/7623, or call 105.

You can also provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.