Actor Cliff Curtis Injured in Auckland Car Crash
- New Zealand actor Cliff Curtis sustained internal injuries during a late-night vehicle collision in Auckland on September 23, according to statements.
- at the corner of Jellicoe and Halsey Streets near Karanga Plaza in the Viaduct area, involving a Tesla and a parked Toyota Prius taxi.
- Hato Hone St John transported two patients to Auckland City Hospital, including one in a serious condition and another with moderate injuries, the NZ Herald reported.
First Aid at the Scene of a High-Speed Waterfront Crash
New Zealand actor Cliff Curtis sustained internal injuries during a late-night vehicle collision in Auckland on September 23, according to statements. The 58-year-old Hollywood and local film star was hospitalised following the crash at the intersection of Jellicoe and Halsey Streets, but remained at the scene after the impact to provide first aid to other injured individuals before emergency personnel arrived.
Hydraulic Cutting Gear Deployed Near Viaduct Precinct
The collision occurred around 10:30 p.m. at the corner of Jellicoe and Halsey Streets near Karanga Plaza in the Viaduct area, involving a Tesla and a parked Toyota Prius taxi. Fire and Emergency Auckland city senior station officer Michael Manning told the NZ Herald that the incident involved a very high-speed impact given the location. Firefighters used hydraulic cutting gear to free a man badly trapped inside the Prius, providing life support until Hato Hone St John paramedics arrived.
Hato Hone St John transported two patients to Auckland City Hospital, including one in a serious condition and another with moderate injuries, the NZ Herald reported. A police statement noted that a third person suffered minor injuries from the crash. Witnesses near the scene described hearing a loud boom that caused the parked taxi to shift three to four metres. The NZ Herald reported that the crash precinct was particularly busy that evening due to a nearby show at the ASB Waterfront Theatre.
Actor Issues Statement on Hospitalisation
Curtis was identified as one of the occupants of the Tesla involved in the crash. The actor subsequently released a statement confirming his hospitalisation for internal injuries. In his statement, Curtis expressed deep sorrow over the event.
I am deeply saddened by this incident. My thoughts are with those who were hurt, and their families at this time.
Cliff Curtis
The statement also noted that Curtis actively assisted other injured parties with first aid until emergency services took over the scene. The statement stated that he is collaborating fully with relevant authorities and will not make further public comments out of respect for the process.
Police Review Circumstances as Inquiries Continue
New Zealand Police confirmed that investigations into the cause of the late-night collision are ongoing. The NZ Herald reported earlier in the week that no charges had been laid in connection with the waterfront crash. Local authorities continue to review the circumstances surrounding the impact between the Tesla and the parked taxi.
Curtis, a native of Rotorua, holds an extensive career spanning New Zealand and international cinema. His local credits feature roles in Once Were Warriors, Whale Rider, and The Dark Horse, while his global portfolio includes appearances in Training Day, Blow, Three Kings, and the Avatar franchise. Prior to the incident, Curtis had made public appearances in Auckland, including attending a New Zealand Breakers basketball game alongside UFC star Israel Adesanya on September 20.
Given this area of town, it was a very high-speed impact.
Michael Manning