Pregnant woman killed at Napier intersection after years of safety complaints
A 36-year-old pregnant woman was struck by a bus at a Tennyson Street crossing in Napier, prompting criticism of the council’s delayed safety actions.
Olawande Braimoh, 36, was killed on 17 April when a bus turning right into Tennyson Street struck her at a pedestrian crossing while she walked to the Ministry for Social Development. A nearby witness recounted a loud bang and the sudden disappearance of the pedestrian. Residents and workers have long warned that the four-lane road and short crossing time create a hazardous environment, citing numerous near-miss incidents.
Napier City Council documented 12 complaints about the crossing since 2019, with one complainant raising concerns as early as 2023. Days before the accident, the council instructed a contractor to adjust the signal timing, but the change was only applied on 26 May 2026, extending the crossing time by ten seconds. The bus driver, aged 72, has been charged with careless or inconsiderate operation causing death, and will be sentenced this week. Local officials and community members continue to call for further safety measures, such as dedicated turning lights, to prevent future tragedies.
Why it matters
The death highlights ongoing pedestrian safety failures at a busy intersection despite repeated community warnings.
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