A Brit has died in in a horror quad bike crash in New Zealand, as three others were seriously hurt and airlifted to hospital.
Two couple are understood to have hired a four-seater quadricycle in the town of Martinborough, located in the country’s North Island and known for its beautiful vineyards. A witness who was among the first at the scene said he believed the vehicle was in a “shadow spot” and was hit by a car from behind.
Local police confirmed they were working with the British High Commission in Wellington as part of their investigation into the accident. The group hired the vehicle from Indi Bikes Martinborough.
Owner Wayde Mines told local news outlet Stuff: “It was a beautiful day in Martinborough that ended badly. They certainly weren’t ‘party-party, we’re gonna drink lots of alcohol on the bike and get hammered’. It’s horrible.”
He added to Otago Daily Times the tragedy was the first accident they had experienced in a decade of business. He added: “I met the people. Hired the bike to them. Off they went happy.
“I’m absolutely devastated. I’m worried for the people involved. It’s a beautiful day in Martinborough. The bikes are easily seen. It’s unbelievable it’s happened.
“It’s a tragedy. It’s terrible. I’ve been hiring bikes for 10 years and nothing like this has ever happened before. Not even scuffs and bumps.”
Martinborough police said the incident occurred at about 10.45am on Thursday. Inspector Brad Allen, Wellington district road policing manager, said: “The deceased was critically injured but died at the scene before they could be airlifted to hospital.
“Three other people, also on the bike, suffered serious injuries. Police’s thoughts, aroha and condolences go out to the family and loved ones of the deceased. The serious crash unit are conducting a scene examination and inquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.”
A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office spokesperson said: “Our team in New Zealand have provided advice on bereavement abroad after one British person died and three others were seriously injured in Martinborough.
“Our thoughts are with the family at this difficult time.”
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