New Zealand / Transport

Widow pleased inquest reopened after truck crash death

19:54 pm on 23 November 2018

The widow of a man who died in a truck crash is thrilled the inquest into the death is being reopened.

Police reviewed their initial investigation into a truck crash in Otago in 2013 and the inquest will now reopen. Photo: 123RF

The 2013 crash was the subject of an inquest three years ago which failed to get to the bottom of why the truck flipped on its side.

The crash happened on a moderate bend near Waikoikoi in South Otago, killing the driver Wayne Brenssell and his passenger, Toby Waitokia.

Since then Mr Brenssell's widow, Shona Brenssell, has fought to have the inquest reopened.

Mrs Brenssell said she did not want to say anything that might jeopardise the second inquest, but she was glad there would be an opportunity for the truth to come out.

The Solicitor General directed a further coronial inquiry, after a police review of the initial investigation, said police Southern District Commander Paul Basham.

"Police acted in good faith during the investigation, but subsequently reviewed the incident and our investigation as a consequence of concerns raised by the families," Superintendent Basham said.

"We know the families of these men still live with their loss every single day.

"Police has met with the families and will continue to support them throughout the new coronial inquiry."