Bystander tried to save woman

A bystander on the scene of a crash between a van and a mobility scooter, which killed the woman on the scooter, said he gave her CPR as she lay on the road.

The crash happened yesterday on Kilkenny Dr in East Tā maki and was reported to police at 10.40am. “Sadly, one person received critical injuries and has since died at the scene,” a police spokesperson said. “We extend our condolences to their family at this difficult time.”

The bystander, who asked not to be named, said he was driving down Kilkenny Dr when he was confronted by the incident — the driver of the van was outside his vehicle speaking on the phone.

“We stopped to help. She was still on the scooter — rather, it was on top of her,” the bystander said.

“The guy who was behind the van said it hit the mobility scooter. The guy following said the lady was trying to cross the road. That’s what it looked like,” he said.

He said the van driver looked young: “It was an accident. Maybe they didn’t see each other,” he said.

“It was not pleasant. When we sat down with the police and did witness statements it was still . . . raw. We’re rattled.

“She was unconscious and she never regained consciousness. She must’ve just slipped away.”

The Serious Crash Unit attended and motorists were told to avoid the area as inquiries were under way.

Fire and Emergency NZ and St John ambulance attended the scene along with police.

A St John spokesperson said they were notified of a motor vehicle incident in East Tamaki at 10.36am. They responded with one ambulance, one rapid response unit and one manager.

Part of the road had been blocked, causing detours to bus services, Auckland Transport said in an alert.