NZ Police forced to apologise over insensitive fatal crash tweet

New Zealand Police have been forced to apologise after posting an insensitive tweet about fatal crashes.

The tweet read: “When we have to tell someone their family member has died in a crash” and was followed by a gif of comedian Steve Carell from The Office which said “This is the worst”.

The post was met with major backlash, and for good reason.

“OK, it’s only Monday, but this tweet by NZ Police already takes the booby prize for social media fail of the week. Tone-deaf,” one person commented.

NZ Police posted, then deleted, this meme today – before apologising saying they ‘quickly realised’ it was wrong and insensitive. Ofc pic.twitter.com/aYQ7xtnUlB

— James O’Doherty (@jmodoh) October 9, 2017

New Zealand Police quickly deleted the tweet and apologised.

“We apologise for the recent road safety tweet. We quickly realised it was wrong & insensitive & it was immediately deleted. Thx for feedback” they wrote.

“We’re sorry this was not meant to cause offence. Telling someone their loved is not coming home is one of the hardest things cops ever have to do.”