Truck driver was using phone during fatal Blenheim crash

Monday 1 September 2025 · 3 outlets · 2 reports · updated Mon 1 Sep 2025, 12:47pm

A truck driver was on his mobile phone when he crashed into the rear of a van on State Highway 1 near Blenheim last year. The accident killed RSE worker Kaiea Taubakoa and injured several other workers who were travelling to prune grapes.

How they headlined it

10:17am12:47pm

1. RNZMon 1 Sep 2025, 10:17am

   Truck driver Robert Clifford on phone when he crashed into van, killing RSE worker Kaiea Taubakoa in Blenheim (opens in new tab)

   Also on NZ Herald (opens in new tab)

2. Otago Daily TimesMon 1 Sep 2025, 12:47pm

   Truck driver on phone killed migrant season worker (opens in new tab)