Update on Mt Maunganui crash

An 83 year old man Tauranga man has died as a result of injuries sustained after the scooter he was driving crashed into the back of a Police vehicle in Mt Maunganui this morning. He died in Tauranga Hospital late this afternoon.

The Area Commander for Western Bay of Plenty Police, Inspector Mike Clement, says a crash investigation is underway into the incident, which is being overseen by the District Road Policing Manager.

Inspector Clement says the IPCA have also been notified as the crash involved a Police vehicle.

"As outlined earlier today, a motorcyclist travelling towards Mt Maunganui on Maunganui Road, near the intersection of Tweed Street, struck the rear of a stationary Police vehicle.

"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."

Inspector Clement says the Police officer involved is obviously very shaken by the incident, and counselling and support will be provided for him.

"Until the crash investigation is complete, it is impossible to comment further or speculate about how it occurred.

"Obviously our thoughts are with the family right now and we will continue to provide them with support."