Four people have been injured, including two police officers, after a driver believed to have fallen asleep at the wheel crashed into a stationary patrol car near Whangārei last night.
Northland district commander superintendent Matt Srhoj said police were attending a single-vehicle collision on State Highway 14 near the intersection with Kokopu Block Rd at around 8.40pm.
“While at the scene, a second vehicle has veered across the road and collided with the front of one of the patrol vehicles.”
The driver of the first vehicle was being spoken to by a police officer in that patrol vehicle, with both receiving minor injuries in the collision.
Another police officer sustained moderate injuries after he was hit while attempting to evade the vehicle. The driver of the second vehicle also received moderate injuries.
All four were taken to Whangārei Hospital and later discharged, Srjoj said.
“Early indications are that the second driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel and lost control of their vehicle.
“Alcohol is believed to be a factor in the crash but cannot be confirmed until toxicology results are returned.
“Any potential charges for this driver will be considered in due course.”
Srhoj said police were “extremely grateful” that all staff were going to be okay.
“They will be sore for a while, but their injuries could have been much worse. We are lucky not to be dealing with a fatality here.”
He said support was being given to the officers while they recovered at home.
“This incident highlights the risks of driving while under the influence and driving while tired, and we urge people not to drive if they are impaired in any way.”