Grief for devoted father
Children remain in hospital after fatal car and bus crash
Aman who died and whose children were badly injured after their car and a bus crashed in Mt Eden was just minutes from home. Friends have expressed grief for “devoted” father of three Christopher Tobin, 51.
A Givealittle page has been set up to raise money for his wife, Olivia, and their children.
The two youngest children, Elle, 2, and 1-year-old Jack, were left with critical injuries after the car and a bus crashed head-on about 3.30pm on Tuesday. Tobin died at the scene. A Starship hospital spokeswoman said yesterday: “The younger child [Jack] is critical and the older child [Elle] is stable.”
Tobin is suspected to have suffered a medical emergency before the crash on the corner of Mt Eden and Bellevue Rds.
The author of the Givealittle page says Tobin, known as Tuffa, was minutes away from his Mt Eden home when the crash happened.
“Chris was so full of life, he had one of the biggest grins and a heart full of so much love to all those around him,” the page reads.
“He was a devoted family man and loved his beautiful wife, Olivia, and cherished three children, Vivian, 6, Elle, 2, and Jack, 1. Jack is still fighting for his life in intensive care ...
“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. Our hearts and prayers go out to you and the kids, Olivia . . .”
Auckland Tramways Union president Gary Froggatt told the Herald he understood the driver of the car had a medical event, swerved across the median strip at some speed and into the oncoming bus.
The police, when asked about the possible cause of the crash and Froggatt’s statement, said they were continuing their investigation and couldn’t comment until it was complete.