New Zealand actor Cliff Curtis sustained internal injuries following a high-speed collision between a Tesla and a parked taxi in downtown Auckland on September 23. The 58-year-old was hospitalised after the crash at the intersection of Jellicoe and Halsey Streets, but stayed at the scene to provide first aid to other injured individuals until emergency services arrived.
Tesla and Taxi Collide at High Speed on Auckland Waterfront
The collision occurred around 10.30pm on September 23 at the intersection of Jellicoe and Halsey Streets near Karanga Plaza. Firefighters responding to the scene found a man badly trapped inside a Toyota Prius taxi. Crews used hydraulic cutting gear to slice open the Prius and free the driver, providing life support until Hato Hone St John personnel arrived.
Michael Manning, a Fire and Emergency Auckland city senior station officer, said that the incident involved a “very high-speed impact” given the location. A witness reported hearing a “big, big impact” that forced the taxi to move roughly three to four metres. The owner of the nearby Wynyard Mart described hearing a loud “boom” from the crash site.
Hato Hone St John transported two people to Auckland City Hospital, including one patient in a serious condition and another in a moderate condition. Police confirmed that a third person sustained minor injuries in the collision.
Cliff Curtis Issues Statement Describing Hospitalisation and First Aid Response
Curtis released a statement confirming his hospitalisation for internal injuries resulting from the crash. “I am deeply saddened by this incident. My thoughts are with those who were hurt, and their families at this time,” Curtis said in the statement.
The actor noted that he assisted other injured parties with first aid before emergency responders reached the scene. The statement added that Curtis was “collaborating fully with relevant authorities” and would not issue further comments out of respect for the process. Gabriella Larkin-Bruce, Curtis’s New Zealand agent, did not respond to multiple approaches from the Herald regarding the incident.
Police continue investigation into Auckland collision
Police confirmed earlier this week that no charges had been laid in connection with the September 23 collision. Authorities stated that the investigation into the exact cause of the crash remains ongoing in downtown Auckland.
The precinct around Jellicoe and Halsey Streets was particularly busy on the night of the incident due to a scheduled show at the nearby ASB Waterfront Theatre. NZME reporters visited Curtis’s home in Rotorua following the crash, but no one was home.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Auckland Crash Involving Cliff Curtis
Which vehicles were involved in the September 23 crash?
The collision involved a Tesla carrying two occupants, including actor Cliff Curtis, and a parked Toyota Prius taxi.
What injuries were reported from the Auckland waterfront collision?
Hato Hone St John transported two people to Auckland City Hospital, with one in a serious condition and another moderately injured, while a third person suffered minor injuries. Cliff Curtis confirmed through a statement that he was hospitalised with internal injuries.
Have police laid any charges regarding the incident?
Police stated earlier this week that no charges had been laid and that the investigation into the cause of the crash at Jellicoe and Halsey Streets is ongoing.
What emergency response was required at the scene?
Fire and Emergency Auckland crews used hydraulic cutting gear to free a man badly trapped inside the Toyota Prius taxi after arriving at the intersection around 10.30pm on September 23.
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