New Zealand / Crime

Man charged with careless driving causing injury following Santa Parade crash

10:16 am on 24 January 2024

A Burger Fuel car collided with a brass band at the Avondale Santa parade. Photo: NZME / Michael Burgess

One person has been charged following a crash at an Auckland Christmas Parade where people were hit by a vehicle.

On 25 November 2023, five people were injured after a Burger Fuel-branded vehicle hit two pedestrians during the parade.

Three people in the vehicle, including two children, were allegedly then assaulted by people in the crowd.

Auckland City West Area Commander Inspector Allise Robertson saida 45-year-old man had been charged with two counts of careless driving causing injury.

He would appear in Auckland District Court on 4 March.

Robertson said police had also investigated the alleged assaults that occurred after the crash.

"Despite extensive enquiries for CCTV, video footage or independent witnesses, we have not been able to corroborate these reports.

"As such, police have concluded our inquiries into this incident and we have advised all parties concerned."

Whau Local Board member Catherine Farmer, who was at the parade, said at the time she heard the MC yelling "stop" shortly before the car hit pedestrians.

"The MC started yelling out 'stop, stop, go back, stop!' and then I heard him say 'we've got to get Fire and Emergency here, we've got to get ambulances,'" she said.

"And then there was just a general melee."