One person has died and two others were badly injured in a head-on crash near Ōtaki last night, after the driver of a stolen ute “initially fled” officers, police say.
The driver of the ute was pronounced dead at the scene, while two passengers were in serious and critical condition respectively. The person in critical condition is a man and has been taken to Wellington Hospital.
“There were four occupants of the other vehicle, who were moderately and seriously injured,” police said.
Acting central district commander inspector Clifford Brown said officers signalled an allegedly stolen ute to stop just after 10.30pm last night.
The ute was wanted in connection to an alleged robbery in Ōtaki earlier in the evening.
“A pursuit was initiated but was abandoned within several minutes due to the manner of driving, and the ute continued at speed heading south on State Highway 1.
“Around 10.50pm the vehicle was observed turning back onto State Highway 1 from Waikanae, heading north in the southbound lane. The ute then collided head-on with another vehicle just south of Lawlors Road at about 11.05pm.”
The serious crash unit has been investigating the incident, Brown said.
“Police has also referred the matter to the Independent Police Conduct Authority, as is standard for these events.
“An outcome like this is never something police wants, and our thoughts are with those in the other vehicle who were needlessly injured.
“Potential charges against those in the ute will be considered in due course.”
