Detective Senior Sergeant Christan Fouhy said a family were travelling in one of the vehicles at the time.
“In that vehicle, multiple occupants were injured and sadly, a child has lost her life as a result of this crash,” he said.
“I’m unable to confirm further details about the girl at this very early stage.
“This is a devastating incident for the whānau involved.”
Fouhy said the two occupants of the second vehicle involved fled on foot from the crash scene.
“Attending police staff located who they believe to be the driver, in the nearby area, shortly afterward. The second male was located soon after this.”
Far North CIB are seeking information from the public about this afternoon’s crash.
“Police would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the crash, or any movements of the vehicles in the lead-up to the crash,” Fouhy says.
“We are particularly interested in sightings of a white Toyota Mark X being driven erratically on Orrs Rd or the wider Kaikohe area prior to the crash.”
Multiple road closures were in place, including on Tawanui Rd, Hillcrest Rd, Monument Rd and Orrs Rd.
Brodie Stone covers crime and emergency for the Northern Advocate. She has spent most of her life in Whangārei and is passionate about delving into issues that matter to Northlanders and beyond.
