Condolences flow for bus driver who died in Tāmaki Drive blaze

Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown has extended his condolences following the death of a bus driver on Wednesday night.

Police told the Franklin Times the bus driver died following a collision between the electric bus he was driving and a car on Tāmaki Drive in Parnell.

Emergency services were called to the scene at about 9.20pm, after reports of a fire breaking out on the bus.

“I was saddened by the news that a bus driver had lost their life in a tragic traffic incident overnight,” Brown said in a statement last night.

“It’s a stark reminder of the fragility of life and how it can change in the blink of an eye.”

Brown said his thoughts were with the driver’s family, friends, and colleagues, and acknowledged the support being provided by Auckland Transport, the bus company, and other agencies.

Read more: Fire began in petrol car on Tāmaki Drive before spreading to bus

“Please take extra care on our roads and look after each other, as we head into Labour weekend.”

Deputy-Mayor Desley Simpson, also the local councillor for Orakei, extended “our deepest sympathies” to the family of the bus driver.

“Everyone goes to work expecting to come home again safely, so this comes as a huge shock to many,” she said.

Auckland Transport said the loss was felt across its organisation.

“We’re deeply saddened by the loss of one of our bus drivers following a collision on Tāmaki Drive this week. Our thoughts are with their family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time,” a statement said.

“Our drivers play a huge role in keeping our city moving. They’re part of our community, showing up every day to help people get where they need to go.

“This loss is felt across our organisation and by everyone who worked alongside them. We extend our condolences to all who knew and cared for them.”

Hato Hone St John says it was notified of the incident at 9.17pm, responding with three ambulances and two rapid response vehicles.

Two patients were assessed at the scene, with both transported to Auckland City Hospital, one in a serious and one in a moderate condition.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand said around 16 fire trucks and several support vehicles attended to extinguish the blaze, with crews remaining at the scene into the early hours of Thursday morning.

Auckland Transport has confirmed that Tāmaki Drive is now open in both directions, after earlier closures between The Strand and Ngapipi Road caused significant overnight disruption.

The Serious Crash Unit continues to investigate the cause of the crash.