Police have identified the man who died when the refuse truck he was driving left the road and crashed into a suburban house in Birkenhead yesterday.
The name of the deceased man is:
HARRISON/Patrick
Age 51 years
Avondale - Auckland.
Police say that about 1330 hours yesterday [Monday 30 July 2007] a refuse truck left the road and crashed over a small retaining wall. It came to rest against a house in the cul-de-sac end of Radiata Lane, Birkenhead.
The sole male occupant was trapped under the vehicle and died at the scene. A post mortem examination will be carried out today. The incident was witnessed by the owner of the house. The owner had recently sold the property and was in the process of moving.
Police cordoned off the scene. A commercial crane and a specialised heavy tow truck were used to remove the refuse vehicle. The scene was finally cleared by 8.30pm last night. The Serious Crash Unit is investigating. They say the cause of the crash is unlikely to be known for some time.
Acting Sergeant Blair ATKINSON of the Serious Crash Unit is appealing for witnesses or any persons who assisted at the scene to contact him. His contact is [09] 481 0300
ENDS:
Kevin [Kev] Loughlin
District Communications Manager / Media Advisor
Waitemata Police District
12-14 Northcroft Street - Takapuna - Auckland
Phone 09 488 9758 - Extn 96308
Mobile 027 281 0271
Email - kevin.loughlin@police.govt.nz