Indian-origin taxi driver Gagandeep Singh is facing a difficult recovery after suffering serious injuries in a crash involving New Zealand actor Cliff Curtis on Auckland’s waterfront, leaving him unable to work while he focuses on recovering from multiple injuries.
The crash happened at about 10.30pm on September 23 at the intersection of Jellicoe and Halsey streets near Karanga Plaza. Singh was inside his parked Toyota Prius while waiting for passengers when a Tesla collided with the taxi. The impact was severe enough to move the Prius several metres.
Emergency crews found Singh badly trapped inside the vehicle following the collision. Firefighters used cutting equipment to free him from the damaged Prius before he was taken to Auckland City Hospital in a serious condition. Authorities described the collision as a high-speed impact, while witnesses reported hearing a major crash near the waterfront.
Singh suffered extensive injuries in the incident. According to his account reported by the New Zealand Herald and Indian Weekender, he sustained eight broken ribs, a fractured hip and collarbone injuries, as well as injuries to his hands and a head wound that required stitches.
He also suffered internal bleeding affecting his lungs and required oxygen for several days. The injuries made it difficult for him to breathe immediately after the collision, and he also experienced concussion and short-term memory loss.
Singh said he has no clear memory of how the crash happened. He recalled waiting for passengers before the collision but said he could not remember where the other vehicle came from or how it struck his taxi.
After being discharged from hospital, Singh was instructed by his doctor to remain on bed rest for 60 days. The recovery period means he is currently unable to return to his work as a taxi driver, creating additional financial pressure while he deals with the consequences of the crash.
For Singh, the inability to work is particularly difficult because he says he is the only child of his parents and carries family responsibilities. His sudden loss of income has added another challenge to an already difficult recovery following the serious injuries.
The crash also left Cliff Curtis, the New Zealand actor known internationally for his roles in films including the Avatar franchise, injured. Curtis was hospitalised with internal injuries after the collision and later said through a statement that he was deeply saddened by the incident and that his thoughts were with those who were injured and their families.
Curtis also said he assisted other injured people with first aid before emergency services arrived. His statement said he was cooperating with the relevant authorities following the crash.
Police have since confirmed that a 58-year-old man has been summonsed to appear in Auckland District Court on October 15. The charges are reckless driving and driving with excess blood alcohol. The police announcement did not name the man, but New Zealand media reports have identified him as Curtis.
Another person involved in the crash was taken to hospital in a moderate condition, while a third person sustained minor injuries. Emergency services said the location was particularly concerning because Karanga Plaza is a busy waterfront area frequented by pedestrians, families and tourists.
Singh now faces a prolonged period of recovery as he waits for his injuries to heal and remains away from work. His case highlights the serious personal and financial consequences that can follow a major road collision, particularly for workers whose income depends directly on their ability to drive.
As legal proceedings move forward, Singh’s immediate priority remains his health and recovery. The Auckland crash has left him with significant physical injuries and an uncertain return-to-work timeline, while authorities continue with the legal process surrounding the circumstances of the collision.
