Waikato roads claim two more in crashes

Two men involved in two separate road accidents in the Waikato on Tuesday died within hours of each other.

Casey Ruua, a 25-year-old Tokoroa man, died after his motorcycle collided with a car in Tokoroa. Emergency services were called to the intersection of Pateke Pl and Kereru St, Tokoroa about 3.20pm.

‘‘All our guys did once they arrived is assist ambulance with the patient and basically assisted with CPR and helped load the patient into the ambulance,’’ chief fire officer Dave Morris said.

Ruua died soon after at Tokoroa Hospital, police said.

Inspector Kevin Taylor, of Bay of Plenty police, said the motorcyclist was wearing a helmet. Alcohol was not believed to be a factor, but police were yet to rule out speed.

In the second incident, 36-yearold Pukekohe man, Gordon James Thompson, also known as Anaru Jordan Tamehana, died at the scene of a two-car crash on State Highway 1B/Gordonton Rd about 5.20pm Tuesday.

Thompson was travelling north in a Nissan Bluebird when it appeared he crossed the centreline into the path of a southbound Mazda Tribute stationwagon, Waikato road policing manager, Inspector Freda Grace, said.

‘‘We have reports from witnesses of the Nissan possibly crossing the centreline in front of an oncoming truck shortly before the crash and we’re continuing to piece together what may have occurred and what, if any, contributing factors there may have been.

‘‘The crash is still under investigation by the Waikato Serious Crash Unit so it’s too early to confirm what has occurred.’’

Two women from the Mazda were taken to Waikato Hospital with injuries from the crash. One underwent surgery and was in a critical but stable condition on Wednesday morning. The other suffered moderate to minor injuries. A section of the highway was closed for about three hours on Tuesday night as emergency services worked to clear the scene.