Second inquiry into deaths

Concerns raised by the family members of two Tapanui construction workers, who died in a truck crash in 2013, has triggered a second inquiry into their deaths. The Solicitor General directed a further coronial inquiry into the deaths of Wayne Brenssell and Toby Waitokia yesterday. The pair tragically died when the truck and semi-trailer unit they were in rolled on a moderate right hand curve between Tapanui and Gore, near Waikoikoi, on December 6, 2013. The truck and trailer unit was carrying a 23 tonne load of five prefabricated concrete panels stacked on an A frame at the time of the accident. Police earlier undertook a review of the crash and the way it was investigated, while a coronial inquiry was also held into the incident in 2015. District Commander for the Southern District Superintendent Paul Basham said after reviewing the incident both the men’s families raised concerns with the investigation. ‘‘We know the families of these men still live with their loss every single day. ‘‘Police [have] met with the families and will continue to support them throughout the new coronial inquiry,’’ Basham said. Waitokia’s wife, Dale Waitokia said while she could not comment on the details of the case because it was before the coroner she was ‘‘really happy’’ the circumstances of his death was being looked at again. ‘‘We’re really happy this is happening again as it’s been five years in the making.’’ She said the inquiry was expected to take place early next year.