Coromandel, New Zealand – A quiet afternoon in the picturesque Coromandel Peninsula was shattered by gunfire, resulting in one man dead and another seriously injured. The incident occurred near a popular local attraction, leading to major road closures and an ongoing police investigation.
Authorities quickly responded to the scene, where they discovered two individuals with gunshot wounds. The situation prompted an intense emergency response, including the airlift of one victim to Auckland City Hospital in critical condition.
Local business owner, identified only as Jeff, witnessed the aftermath and provided immediate first aid to the victims. He recounted the harrowing moments as he tried to save the life of one man who was fatally shot in the chest.
“The scene was chaotic. I heard someone screaming for help and found the man by his vehicle, unresponsive. I administered CPR until the rescue helicopter arrived,” Jeff explained. Nearby, the second victim, believed to have been shot in the shoulder, also required medical attention.
It appeared the men were engaged in pig hunting at the time of the attack, with equipment and a hunting catch found at the scene. This detail adds a layer of complexity to the motives behind the shooting, which remain under investigation.
Police have taken one person into custody, a local farmer, who is now a suspect in the shooting. Community members describe the farmer as generally well-regarded but noted he had experienced issues with poachers on his property, which may have contributed to a tense environment leading to the shooting.
The road where the incident took place, known as The 309 Road, is a remote gravel path that connects several small communities. It was closed for hours as police and emergency crews attended to the scene, disrupting local traffic and drawing the attention of residents and media alike.
Neville Cameron, member of the Coromandel Flying Club, expressed his shock, stating that violence is rare in this part of New Zealand. “It’s a peaceful area, so news of a shooting is definitely alarming,” Cameron said.
Updates from local emergency services highlighted the swift response, including the deployment of two Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopters and ground ambulance crews. A spokesperson for Hato Hone St John confirmed their role in the emergency response, emphasizing the critical condition of the transported patient.
As the community reels from the impact of this violence, questions remain about the exact sequence of events that led to this tragic afternoon. The investigation continues, with police promising more information as it becomes available. Meanwhile, local residents are cautioned to stay clear of the area to facilitate an unimpeded inquiry and ensure community safety.