One dead, five hurt after fleeing car crashes

One of the cars involved in the crash.
The driver of this Hyundai car, a man in is mid 60's, died after a fleeing driver crashed into his car. Photo: Geoff Sloan
A man has died after a fleeing driver incident in Christchurch.

A fleeing driver driving a Toyota car crashed into a Hyundai car driven by a member of the public at the intersection of Glandovey and Idris Rds on Tuesday morning. 

The Hyundai driver died. He was in his mid-60s. 

Canterbury Metro Area Commander Superintendent Lane Todd said those in the Toyota car were young people.

Police signalled for the driver of a Toyota car to pull over on Papanui Rd about 4am due to "erratic driving", but the driver did not stop.

There were four others in the Toyota car, he said. 

Police pursued the car for about four minutes through residential streets before the car collided with Hyundai at the intersection. 

"The driver and sole occupant of the Hyundai sustained critical injuries and was transported to hospital where they sadly died," said Superintendent Todd.

One of the vehicles involved in a serious crash at the intersection of Idris and Glandovey Rd....
The intersection of Idris and Glandovey Rd remains closed after a serious crash. Photo: Geoff Sloan

One person in the Toyota car has critical injuries while the other four have serious to moderate injuries. 

A Serious Crash Unit is investigating and the Independent Police Conduct Authority will be undertaking a "full investigation", said Superintendent Todd. 

Superintendent Lane Todd.
Superintendent Lane Todd.
The decision whether or not to pursue a fleeing driver is one of the most serious decisions our staff face on the frontline. This is an absolute tragedy and a horrific outcome. We come to work every day to keep our community safe and the staff involved are deeply shocked by this event," he said. 

He said staff involved were being supported and the officer driving the police car had a "gold star certification". 

Since March, additional training has been given to officers following a review of fleeing driver incidents, he said. 

Police at the scene of a serious crash in Fendalton.
Police at the scene of a serious crash in Fendalton.
Five ambulances and two first response vehicles were at the scene.

One person was trapped and rescued from the vehicle by firefighters.

Christchurch Transport Operations Centre said Glandovey Rd was closed eastbound at Garreg Rd and westbound at Heaton Rd, Rossall St and the Strowan Rd intersection. 

All roads were reopened at about 10.40am. 

 

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