Woman loses unborn child after Far North crash with stolen ute driven by 12-year-old

A woman’s unborn baby has died and two people are critically injured after a crash with a stolen ute driven by a 12-year-old.

Far North Area Commander Inspector Riki Whiu said police were called to head-on the crash involving two vehicles on State Highway 1, near Bullman Rd, Okaihau around 9.08pm yesterday.

“Tragically, one of the people taken to the hospital with critical injuries was pregnant and that baby has now died.

“The woman remains in hospital in a critical but stable condition and police are providing support to her loved ones.”

Whiu said four people were taken to hospital - two in a critical condition and four in a moderate condition.

“Upon police arrival to the scene, further inquiries suggest one of the vehicles involved was stolen in an earlier incident on Monday from Moerewa,” he said.

“Those in this vehicle were aged from 12 to 17.”

The Serious Crash Unit was in attendance and an investigation into the circumstances of the crash is ongoing.

“While there are aspects of this crash we are not able to comment on at this time, I can say this is a horrific incident that came about through selfish and mindless behaviour that has denied one of our mokopuna life,” Whiu said.

“Those involved were unlicensed youths, one of which, the driver, was not yet a teenager.”

“It is absolutely the worst outcome for us as a community, whānau and all other responding emergency services who attend these incidents.