A Dunedin police officer was struck by a courier van while attending a crash yesterday evening.
Acting Inspector Craig Dinnissen, of Dunedin, said the woman was hit while attending a crash near the Green Island off ramp in the Concord area of the Southern Motorway at 9.40pm.
The officer received minor injuries in the crash and is recovering at home, he said.
''The officer’s patrol car was parked on the side of the road acting as a safety cordon for staff working at the crash scene and they were packing up the scene.
''[She] was wearing high visibility clothing and the patrol car was displaying its flashing lights.
'' The van has then skidded into the path of the officer and patrol vehicle.
''The officer leapt out of the way but was struck by the front corner of the van.
''She was knocked to the ground and the van hit the right rear corner of the patrol car.''
Insp Dinnissen said the incident was under investigation ''but initial indications suggest a passing motorist has stopped on the road near the patrol car and an oncoming courier van driver has braked heavily and swerved to avoid a collision.''
"The van has then skidded into the path of the officer and patrol vehicle.
''The officer leapt out of the way but was struck by the front corner of the van. She was knocked to the ground and the van hit the right rear corner of the patrol car. ''
''Police would like to hear from the driver of the first car that stopped – this is described as a light coloured sedan/hatchback being driven by an older woman. Police would also like to hear from the driver of a light coloured ute who stopped following the crash and offered further information.''
''This is a timely reminder to drivers, that when approaching accident sites reduce your speed to 20kmh for the safety of people actively working around the scene.''
Dunedin police (03) 471-4800, Crimestoppers 0800-555-111.
