A man in his 20s is in Waikato Hospital in a critical condition after a car he was in crashed through three properties and landed on its roof while he was fleeing police in Rotorua last night.
Residents have described hearing a "God almighty crash, bang" as their houses shook from the impact. A flying post from one of the houses went through a neighbour's car windscreen.
Inspector Anaru Pewhairangi, Rotorua police area commander, said in a statement this morning police attempted to stop a vehicle on Ford Rd due to speed at 10.50pm. When the driver did not stop, a pursuit was started.
Road spikes were used but before these could be effective the driver crashed into a tree on Malfroy Rd opposite Malfroy School, by Jervis St. The man was the sole occupant of the vehicle.
He suffered critical head injuries and was airlifted to Waikato Hospital.
An investigation into the crash is ongoing, and the incident will be referred to the Independent Police Conduct Authority.
Police staff involved in the incident are being supported, Pewhairangi said.
A St John spokeswoman said a helicopter and three ambulances were sent to the scene and one patient was airlifted to Waikato Hospital in a critical condition.
Residents in the area were this morning still coming to terms with the mess and the horrifying sounds of the crash.
"I was sitting on the edge of my bed just before 11pm getting ready for bed ... Next minute there was a God almighty crash, bang, the house shook," Fletcher said.
"I thought 'what on earth is this?'"