Witnesses sought as crash baby dies
The baby critically injured in a crash in an Auckland suburb on Tuesday has died after his life support was turned off.
Equipment keeping 1- year- old Jack Tobin alive was switched off yesterday and a funeral for him and his father Chris Tobin will be held on Tuesday.
His 2- year- old sister Elle i s in a stable condition in hospital and expected to make a full recovery.
Meanwhile police are urging any witnesses to come forward. They are particularly interested in hearing from the driver of a blue BMW following the white Nissan Cube being driven by Tobin.
Tobin is suspected to have suffered a medical event before the crash on the corner of Mt Eden and Bellevue Rds. His car collided with a doubledecker bus.
A Givealittle page has been set up to raise money for his devastated wife Olivia and their children. It has raised more than $ 18,000.
The page said Tobin, known as Tuffa, was just minutes away from his Mt Eden home when the crash happened. Tobin had three children with Olivia and t wo older sons from a previous relationship.
“This Givealittle page is one way we can somehow help this beautiful young family get through this terribly tough time and to show them our support,” friends wrote. “Our hearts and prayers go out to you and the kids, Olivia.”
One friend posted to Facebook that the tragedy had reminded him what was important. “Say the nice things to each other, not tomorrow, not next week. Now! Tell people they are beautiful. Never be afraid to be kind. Forgive easily. Hug . . . a lot! Because right around the corner we are dead. Just like that. Gone.”
About half a dozen passengers were on the bus when it crashed. Two suffered minor and moderate injuries and were taken to Auckland Hospital.
Auckland Tramways Union president Gary Froggatt said the bus driver, who is married with children and lives in Mangere, had suffered the sort of trauma that would live with him forever. First Union spokesman Phil Morgan said the driver was a “responsible bloke” who would be hurt by what happened.
Camera footage from the bus had been retrieved by NZ Bus, Froggatt said.