after it was closed as a mark of respect for a worker who died in a crash.PHOTO/John Stone
A Whangarei driver will face serious driving charges after he allegedly blew more than double the legal alcohol level after a crash that killed a pizza delivery man on a scooter.
Police are yet to lay charges against the 54-year-old driver of a Toyota Rav 4 which collided with a man delivering pizza for Domino's about 6.50pm on Wednesday.
The 22-year-old scooter rider died in Whangarei Hospital's emergency department after the crash at the intersection of Dent and Norfolk Sts.
As a mark of respect the Water St Domino's outlet, where the delivery man had worked for a few weeks, and the Kamo outlet were closed.
A sign in the window of the Water St branch said: "We regretfully inform you we are closed today due to an unfortunate incident beyond out control."
Senior Sergeant Ian Row said the Toyota Rav 4 driver was found still sitting in his vehicle in the driveway of a property a short distance away.
The driver failed an initial screening test and was taken to Whangarei Police Station where he allegedly recorded a level of 645 micrograms of alcohol per litre of breath. The legal limit for drivers aged 20 and over is 250mcg.
It was unclear whether he had stopped at the scene before he drove to his property, police said.
"Once we have all the evidence together we should move quickly to lay the appropriate charge or charges," Mr Row said.
"It's an absolute tragedy for this young man and his family. He was 22, working hard and should have had a long life ahead of him," Mr Row said.
Dangerous or reckless driving causing death, or causing death while driving with an excess breath or blood alcohol level, are offences under the Land Transport Act 1998 and carry a maximum prison term of 10 years or a fine not exceeding $20,000.
Drivers are also disqualified from holding or obtaining a driver licence for one year or more.
Police were calling on anyone who may have seen the Rav 4 in the area shortly before the crash to contact them.
A man living in nearby flats said he heard a "hell of a bang" on Wednesday night.
When he went outside to investigate he saw a man "sprawled" on the road next to a scooter.
"A car stopped and a man started directing the traffic until the cops and the ambulance came and took the man," he said.
A statement from Domino's Pizza Enterprises Ltd confirmed the death "with great sadness".
"The team member had recently started with the company as a scooter rider, and in a short time, he had earned the friendship and respect of his colleagues as a hardworking and valued member of our team," the statement said.
"We will be providing support to our team members and the victim's loved ones, with counselling and support.
"Respectfully, we closed the Water St and Kamo stores today, to allow our team members to come together as a Domino's family, and take strength from each other."
The statement said Domino's would also provide police with all possible assistance in the investigation.
A spokesperson said safety of team members was a priority. To ride a scooter under 50CC in New Zealand, drivers must have a New Zealand driver licence.
Domino's employees are expected to complete the Domino's Safe Delivery and Scooter Safety training.
Employees are also expected to complete a practical scooter competency test which assesses skills including but not limited to throttle control, manoeuvring, distance and speed.
Employees must also wear all Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including but not limited to an approved helmet, high visibility safety vest and closed shoes.
The team member involved in this incident complied with all the regulations. The scooter involved was a 49CC TGB.
Police have not named the dead man because they were ensuring all family had been notified first.
If people have any information that could help they can contact Whangarei police (09) 430 4500, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.