Indian-origin taxi driver Gagandeep Singh has suffered eight broken ribs, a fractured hip and internal bleeding in a crash involving well-known New Zealand actor Cliff Curtis on Auckland’s waterfront, leaving him unable to work for 60 days.
Singh was inside his parked Toyota Prius waiting for passengers when it was struck by a Tesla at the intersection of Jellicoe and Halsey streets at about 10.30 pm on 23 September.
According to The New Zealand Herald, Singh sustained eight broken ribs, a broken collarbone, a lower hip fracture, injuries to his hands and a head wound that required stitches.
He also suffered internal bleeding affecting his lungs and required oxygen for about five days.
“With that pressure, my chest got pressed and my lungs bled inside,” Singh told the newspaper.
“Because of that, I couldn’t breathe at that time, and I forgot everything that had happened.”
Singh estimated that the force of the collision pushed his vehicle up to five metres into a concrete bench.
It is reported that Singh was trapped inside the car and had to be freed by firefighters before being taken to Auckland City Hospital in a serious condition.
The taxi driver also suffered a concussion and short-term memory loss. He told the newspaper he still could not remember how the crash happened.
“I don’t know from where the car came and how they hit.”
Singh has since been discharged from hospital, but his doctor has instructed him to remain on bed rest for 60 days, preventing him from returning to work.
“I’m sitting in at home and I don’t know what will happen,” he said.
“I’m the only child of my parents. I have responsibilities, so it’s really hard.”
It is further reported that Curtis has been summonsed to appear in the Auckland District Court on 15 October on charges of reckless driving and driving with excess blood alcohol.
The charges relate to the September collision. The allegations have not been determined by the court.
Curtis confirmed in a statement to Stuff that he had suffered internal injuries and was hospitalised following the crash.
“I am deeply saddened by this incident. My thoughts are with those who were hurt, and their families at this time.”
Curtis also said he provided first aid to other people injured in the collision until emergency services arrived and was “collaborating fully with relevant authorities”.
Other people were injured in the crash, with one taken to hospital in a moderate condition and at least one other person reportedly suffering minor injuries.
Singh’s injuries have left him facing an extended period away from work while he recovers.
His inability to drive for two months adds financial uncertainty as he deals with the consequences of the crash and his ongoing medical recovery.
Curtis is known for roles in New Zealand and international productions, including Once Were Warriors and James Cameron’s Avatar franchise.
Earlier this year, Curtis joined fellow actor Jason Momoa and director Taika Waititi in acquiring Auckland-based film studio Studio West through Āriki Group, with the stated aim of supporting New Zealand’s screen industry and Polynesian-led storytelling.
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