Hunterville fatal crash: Survivor describes ‘horrendous’ SH1 collision

Two well-known speedway figures were in a ute involved in a fatal crash near Hunterville this afternoon, with one saying the collision was “horrendous”.

One person died after the two-vehicle crash on State Highway 1 in the Rangitīkei district, near Vinegar Hill Rd, about 1.10pm.

Three other people were treated for moderate injuries.

Longtime speedway promoter Bruce Robertson said he was travelling home from Auckland with Bryan “Puk” Puklowski when, according to his account, another vehicle came around a corner on the wrong side of the road.

“Horrendous crash on the way home from Auckland at Vinegar Hill,” he said.

Robertson said the front wheel of his Amarok ute was “completely torn off”.

Puklowski, a well-known figure in the speedway community, was flown to hospital by helicopter. Robertson said he was understood to be okay.

Robertson said he escaped with a sore chest from the airbags and seatbelt.

“Would have been a total head-on if it wasn’t for Puk’s quick evasive action,” Robertson said.

State Highway 1 has since reopened, with police thanking motorists for their patience while the road was closed.

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