One of New Zealand’s biggest drug busts uncovered, the new policy threatening 20 years behind bars for Kiwis in Bali and Florida braces for another ferocious storm.
State Highway 51 along Marine Parade in Napier was closed for more than six hours on Wednesday after a driver fleeing police crashed into another vehicle and a median barrier.
A police spokesperson said they had signalled for a vehicle to stop because of the manner of driving in Maraenui about 9.45am.
“The vehicle failed to stop and fled, however, got stuck in traffic on Marine Parade a short time later.
“The vehicle has struck a barrier and another vehicle before the occupants have abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot.
The driver fleeing police crashed into another vehicle and a barrier.
“There were no injuries. Three people have been arrested. The road is currently closed while police work to clear the scene – we’re asking motorists to please avoid the area if possible. Diversions are in place.”
New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) advised the crash was at the intersection with Ellison St at 9.52am.
“Due to a crash blocking the road, road users are advised to expect delays and take extra care.”
The road remained closed as at 3.45pm on Wednesday.
It was at least the second fleeing-driver incident in the Napier area in just over 12 hours.
Police said the “manner of driving” by an offender on suburban streets, which witnesses say involved high speeds, meant police had to abandon a “brief fleeing driver incident” about 9.10pm on Tuesday.
The driver did not stop, and was not located, police said.
Three-hour wait on car roof in river
One occupant escaped onto the roof of the vehicle driven into the Tukituki River near Haumoana.
Meanwhile, the occupants of a vehicle stuck in the Tukituki River have been rescued after one had a cold three-hour wait for help on the roof.
Police were called near Tennant Rd in Haumoana about 10.25am on Wednesday after the vehicle got stuck when the driver attempted to cross the river.
One person made it to safety while another was rescued by emergency services and taken home.
The pair had minor hypothermia, the spokesperson said.
Recovery options for the vehicle were being looked into by local councils, police said.
Earlier on Wednesday, a vehicle struck a power pole and brought down power lines about 4.35am along Pākōwhai Rd in the Hastings suburb of Frimley.
St John Ambulance and fire services attended but were not required. A police spokeswoman said the sole occupant of the vehicle left the scene following the crash and police were making enquiries.
