Motorcyclist crash in Mt Maunganui

WBOP Police Area Commander, Mike Clement, said that shortly after 11.30 a.m., this morning, Wednesday, 6 July 2011, a motorcyclist travelling towards Mt Maunganui on Maunganui Road, near the intersection of Tweed Street, struck the rear of a stationary Police vehicle.

The rider of the motorcycle has been taken to Tauranga Hospital in a critical condition.

The driver of the Police vehicle had stopped a motorist at that intersection in relation to a traffic matter a few moments earlier. The red and blue warning lights mounted on the roof of the Police vehicle were operating at the time. Neither the police driver nor the motorist who had been stopped by Police was injured in the incident.

Police are in the process of contacting the NOK of the rider of the motorcycle who has been taken to Tauranga Hospital, his name is not available for release.

Inspector Clement will update progress with regards to the condition of the motorcycle rider later in the afternoon.

There will be limited vehicle access along Maunganui Road near the intersection of Tweed Street until a thorough scene examination has been completed. Motorists are asked to avoid this intersection if possible until the scene is released by Police.

Any witness to the incident is asked to contact Tauranga Police on 577 4300.