MEDIA STATEMENT:

[1] FATAL CRASH - KIRKBRIDE ROAD - MANGERE:
[1] SERIOUS CRASH - CHAPEL ROAD - BOTANY:

Counties Manukau Police are investigating two crashes involving two fleeing drivers. One male driver died in Mangere, a female passenger is critical in Botany.

At about 11.30pm on Saturday 4 December 2010 a police patrol unit observed a black Subaru traveling at excessive speed on Kirkbride Road Mangere.

The driver of the vehicle immediately accelerated in an attempt to flee from the unmarked police vehicle. Suddenly the fleeing driver lost control of his vehicle on a bend between Ascot Road and George Bolt drive. The vehicle hit a road sign. At the time of the crash the Subaru was heading in the direction of George Bolt Drive.

The 33 year old male driver died instantly at the scene.

A 27 year old male who was a front seat passenger in the vehicle was taken to Middlemore Hospital with serious head injuries. His condition is described as stable and non life threatening. A 29 year old back seat passenger is in Middlemore Hospital with moderate injuries. His condition is decribed as stable and non life threatening.

A Police investigation has commenced. The Independent Police Conduct Authority has been informed. The name of the deceased has not yet been released.

In a separate incident this afternoon four occupants who were in a stolen vehicle were admitted to Middlemore hospital after they were earlier flung out of the car. The driver was fleeing from police. One female passenger has critical injuries. Two other female passengers are in a serious condition. The male driver has moderate injuries.

At about noon today Sunday 5 December 2o10 Police spoke briefly to the occupant of a vehicle at Maraetai beach. The driver quickly sped from the scene.

Soon after police attempted to intercept the vehicle but abandoned their action when the standard of driving by the offending male deteriorated. A short time later the vehicle was located on Chapel Road Botany. It had crashed into a ditch.

The Serious Crash Unit is investigating both incidents.

The Independent Police Conduct Authority has been informed.

In accordance with police standard procedures when dealing with incidents such as these, the separate investigations will also be peer-reviewed by an independent out of district crash investigator.

Inspector Jason Malcolm of Counties Manukau Police says police are in a difficult position when it comes to a fleeing driver failing to stop.

“The important question that needs to be considered is why an individual feels the need to avoid speaking to police.”

“Ultimately, the onus of responsibility rests with the offending drivers. Drivers who flee from police put themselves and innocent road users at great risk”, Inspector Malcolm said.

Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed either the fatal crash in Mangere or the serious crash in Chapel Road to call Counties Manukau Police on 09 261 1300.

ENDS:

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