Israeli Woman Killed in New Zealand Hit-and-Run
A 73-year-old Israeli woman was killed in a suspected hit-and-run incident in Te Anau, New Zealand, on Sunday night, . Authorities are appealing for information and dashcam footage related to the crash.
The incident occurred around 8:45 a.m. Local time near a business in the town center, according to a statement from New Zealand Police. Emergency services responded to reports of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle. The driver reportedly left the scene.
ZAKA’s international division confirmed the victim was an Israeli citizen, 73 years old, who was visiting New Zealand. Baruch Niddam, director of ZAKA’s international division, stated that the organization is coordinating with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to arrange for the repatriation of the deceased for burial.
Police are actively seeking witnesses who may have been in the area at the time of the crash, or anyone who possesses dashcam footage that could assist with the investigation. They are specifically requesting footage capturing the moments leading up to the incident.
“Police would like to hear from anyone who was in the area or witnessed the crash, or anyone who has dashcam footage of the incident or the moments leading up to it,” the police statement read.
The accident comes shortly after another Israeli citizen, Shay Ilan Pinto, 51, died in a motorcycle accident in Thailand earlier this month. Six Israelis were also injured in a road accident in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand, in January.
This latest incident marks a tragic event for the Israeli community and highlights the vulnerability of pedestrians, particularly in areas with potential hit-and-run risks. The New Zealand Police investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
The town of Te Anau is located on the South Island of New Zealand and serves as a gateway to Fiordland National Park, a popular tourist destination. The investigation is expected to focus on identifying the vehicle involved and determining the circumstances surrounding the pedestrian’s death.
