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Wreckage removed from crash scenes

Monday 18 February 2008, 4:44PM

By New Zealand Police

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PARAPARAUMU

Most of the wreckage associated with yesterday's tragic mid-air crash in Paraparaumu has now been removed to secure storage for specialist investigation.

Inspector John Spence, Kapiti Mana Police Area Commander and head of the police operation, said the fuselage, engine and other items from the Cessna which crashed into a house in Dennis Taylor Court were removed mid afternoon. In neighbouring Robert Grove, a nose wheel was found in a garden and the plane's battery which had crashed through the roof of a house.

Both houses have now been cleared and occupants are able to return to their homes although some further clean-up work and roof repairs will be required.

The Placemaker's site on Kapiti Road where the helicopter plunged through the roof of the enclosed timber yard was blessed at 4pm by local kaumatua in a short but moving ceremony. The ceremony was attended by members of the investigation team - both police and the Transport Accident Investigation Commission, the Kapiti Coast Mayor, Jenny Rowan and several Placemakers staff. It is hoped the helicopter wreckage will be removed by tonight or early tomorrow morning.

Part of the Placemaker's store will re-open for business tomorrow - the shop itself and the adjacent exterior timber yard. Police and TAIC investigators will continue working in the enclosed panels section part of the yard which will remain closed to the public.

Inspector Spence thanked the Kapiti community for their cooperation and understanding during the last two days.

"Our hearts go out to the families and friends of David Fielding, James Taylor and Bevan Hookway," he said. "This has been a traumatic time for the families and I know they appreciate the support which they have received from the community."

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