Hawke’s Bay: Stolen vehicle crashes on highway south of Hastings after police pursuit abandoned

A stolen van driven away from a police officer as they tried to get it to stop was later involved in a serious crash that closed State Highway 2 south of Hastings for more than an hour on Monday.

One person was taken to hospital in a serious condition after the crash near the intersection with Horonui Rd in Poukawa just after 11am.

Witnesses reported a white van with damage to its front sitting stationary near the side of the road after hitting a barrier.

Steam was coming from the engine, its airbags had been deployed, and its horn was continuously sounding.

A police spokesperson said the van was spotted by a police vehicle travelling at excess speed near Pakipaki Rd about 11am.

Police signalled for the vehicle to stop; however, the driver fled and the pursuit was then abandoned because of the manner of driving, the spokesperson said.

After initial inquiries, police determined the vehicle had previously been stolen.

A short time later, police were informed the fleeing vehicle had crashed into a barrier, the spokesperson said.

The New Zealand Transport Agency said at 11.40am the highway was closed in both directions between Horonui Rd and Te Mahanga Rd, Poukawa, for the serious crash unit to attend the scene.

The road was reopened under stop-go traffic management at 12.45pm.

A Hato Hone St John spokesperson said they were told of the crash at 11.10am and sent two ambulances.

One person in a serious condition was transported to Hawke’s Bay Hospital.