Elderly Driver Crashes 4WD into Waiheke Wharf, Captured on Video

Dramatic footage has surfaced showing an elderly woman driving a four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicle through a bus shelter and plunging into the water at the Matiatia Ferry Terminal on Waiheke Island, New Zealand. The incident occurred on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, and has raised concerns regarding the safety measures in place at the busy passenger ferry terminal.

According to Police Sergeant Ray Matthews, the driver had been drinking prior to the accident. The security footage reveals the 4WD crashing through a glass shelter that serves as a waiting area for passengers. Following the crash, the vehicle was seen submerging just below the water’s surface.

Details of the Incident

Images shared with the Herald show the aftermath of the crash, including the 4WD partially submerged and the wreckage of the bus shelter and bicycles strewn about the area. The retrieval of the vehicle has also been documented in videos that emerged over the weekend, highlighting the dramatic nature of the incident.

Eyewitnesses reported hearing the sound of shattering glass as the vehicle collided with the shelter. The police response was swift, with emergency services arriving on the scene shortly after the crash. Fortunately, no one was seriously injured during the incident, although the structural damage was extensive.

Safety Measures Under Review

This incident has prompted discussions about safety protocols at ferry terminals, particularly regarding the potential risks posed by unsteady drivers. Local authorities are now reviewing the existing measures in place to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

The Waiheke Island community is shaken by the event, with many residents expressing their concerns about the adequacy of safety features at the ferry terminal. Suggestions for improvements include implementing clearer signage, enhanced barriers, and more stringent enforcement of alcohol limits for drivers.

The police investigation is ongoing, and further details regarding the driver’s condition and potential charges will be released as they become available. This crash serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for continued vigilance in public areas.