Hopes of an accident-free Easter were dashed yesterday morning by a minor collision between a motorcyclist and a van, at Tupapa.

In a statement, Cook Islands Police said up until yesterday, the long weekend had largely been an improvement on last year, which had seen three crashes among the reported incidents. 

Yesterday’s crash occurred when the driver of the motorbike ran into the rear of the van. Both were heading into Tupapa. The motorcyclist and his pillion passenger received medical attention.

While Easter 2022 has reflected a better performance than last year, Police remain concerned by ongoing domestic disputes. 

Two men spent part of their long weekend locked up and facing charges for assaulting a female, in two reported cases of domestic violence. One incident also involved a child. Coincidentally, two men were also arrested on charges of assaulting women, last Easter.

Other road incidents this weekend included reports of two people driving recklessly and dangerously, and a stunt-driving motorcyclist.

Police have also received complaints of theft, excessive noise, drunkenness, and threatening behaviour. 

On the night of Good Friday, Police shut down a bar for allegedly breaching its liquor license. That matter will be looked into further.