Whakatāne District Council Chief Executive Marty Grenfell expresses his sincere condolences to the family and colleagues of the driver of the Waste Management New Zealand Limited refuse truck involved in a fatal accident with a train this morning.

Collection of refuse and recycling within the Whakatāne District is contracted out by Council to Waste Management New Zealand Limited, which owns and operates a fleet of trucks bearing Council insignia.

The Police will be conducting an investigation into the fatal accident, as will Waste Management New Zealand Limited.

Worksafe will undoubtedly have an active interest in the investigation, and the Whakatāne District Council will offer its full co-operation and any assistance possible.

Residents can expect that there will be some changes and delays to refuse collection throughout the District over coming days. Further information will be posted on the Council’s website as it becomes available.