Cars Crash into Buildings in South Auckland, Five Injured

Two separate vehicle crashes in South Auckland on October 3, 2023, resulted in five injuries as cars collided with buildings in quick succession. The first incident occurred shortly after 13:00 on Great South Road in Takanini when a car sped into the front of a Bed Bath & Beyond store. Witnesses reported the vehicle struck a man near the entrance, causing significant concern among bystanders.

Kalush Chand, an employee at the nearby Repco Takanini, described the moment as chaotic. He heard screeching tires followed by a loud bang and rushed outside with his assistant manager to secure the area and assist the injured. Chand noted that a man who had just made a purchase at his store was hit and needed to be carried for medical attention.

A Bed Bath & Beyond employee shared their shock, stating, “One step forward and he would have been killed,” referring to the man who was struck. They added that the car was travelling “bloody fast” before it crashed through the store’s front. The driver, identified as a woman in her 30s, was alone in the vehicle during the incident.

The crash caused significant damage to the store, shattering two windows, wrecking a bed display, and destroying numerous products that would now need to be discarded.

Emergency services responded promptly to the scene. Police and Fire and Emergency New Zealand confirmed their attendance and stated that no road closures were necessary. A spokesperson from Hato Hone St John reported that two ambulances, a rapid response unit, and an operations manager were dispatched. One patient in moderate condition was transported to Middlemore Hospital, while three others were assessed on-site but declined further treatment.

Second Crash in Papakura

Approximately 20 minutes later, another vehicle crash occurred about five minutes away on East Street in Papakura, where a car drove into a building that housed surveyors. Similar to the first incident, police and fire services were quickly on-site, reporting no individuals were trapped and no road closures were required.

Hato Hone St John again responded, sending one ambulance, a rapid response unit, and an operations manager. One patient, also in moderate condition, was treated at the scene. Witnesses at the location described the driver as being with her family and receiving care following the incident.

These events underscore the potential dangers of speeding vehicles in urban areas and highlight the need for ongoing community safety measures. As investigations continue, local authorities are likely to review traffic safety regulations to prevent similar occurrences in the future.