Motorcyclist killed, teen burned saving brother in Whāngārā crash

A teenage girl has suffered serious burns after rescuing her younger brother from a burning car following a fatal crash north of Gisborne.

According to a report by the Gisborne Herald, emergency services were called to State Highway 35 at Whāngārā around 6 pm on Sunday after a collision between a car and a motorcycle. The motorcyclist, a man in his early 20s from Gisborne, died at the scene.

“The man on the motorcycle was pronounced deceased at the scene,” police said, Gisborne Herald has quoted.

Authorities said the car caught fire after the crash, trapping those inside. In a courageous act, a 14-year-old girl entered the burning vehicle to save her 6-year-old brother.

St John area operations manager Shane Clapperton said, “The 14-year-old girl was seriously burned when she braved the flames to rescue her 6-year-old brother from the vehicle,” as quoted by the Gisborne Herald.

Despite her injuries, there is some reassurance. “Her injuries were not thought to be life-threatening,” Clapperton said.

According to the Gisborne Herald, both children were taken to Gisborne Hospital by ambulance. The young boy sustained moderate injuries. A third person involved in the crash was taken to the hospital by private vehicle.

Police closed the highway overnight while investigations were carried out. The road reopened early Monday morning.

Detective Sergeant Tim Somerton said it was too early to determine the cause of the crash. He confirmed the motorcyclist was from Gisborne and appealed for witnesses to come forward.

“We are looking for dash camera footage related to the crash that motorists in that area on Sunday night may have,” Somerton said, as quoted by the Gisborne Herald.

The crash is the second fatal incident in the Tairāwhiti region in just over a week. Two young men died in a separate crash on April 11.

“We are still waiting for the Coroner to release the names of the young men who died,” Somerton said.

“The two injured youths flown to Waikato Hospital a week ago remained there on Monday in stable condition,” the Gisborne Herald has quoted.

Investigations into the crash are ongoing.