Whangārei crash: Police car and officers crashed into on SH14

Four people have been left injured, including two police officers, after a vehicle crashed into a stationary police car last night on State Highway 14 Maungatapere in Whangārei.

Northland district commander Superintendent Matt Srhoj said police were called to a single-vehicle collision between Kokopu Block Rd and Otaika Valley Rd around 8.45pm.

“While at the scene, a second vehicle has veered across the road and collided with the front of one of the patrol vehicles.”

It is the second incident in a week in which police officers have been hit by a car. Nelson Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming was hit by a car driven by a member of the public early on New Year’s Day.

Srhoj said the driver of the first vehicle was being spoken to by a police officer in the patrol vehicle that was struck.

Both the police officer and the first driver received minor injuries, another police officer received moderate injuries after being hit as he attempted to evade the out-of-control vehicle, and the driver of the second vehicle also received minor injuries.

“Early indications are that the second driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel and lost control of their vehicle.

“Alcohol is believed to be a factor in the crash, but [this] cannot be confirmed until toxicology results are returned,” Srhoj said.

“We are lucky not to be dealing with a fatality here. This incident highlights the risks of driving while under the influence and driving while tired, and we urge people not to drive if they are impaired in any way.”

A Hato Hone St John spokesperson said they attended a road traffic incident around 9.20pm.

“We responded with two ambulances, one rapid response [unit] and one manager. We transported two patients to hospital.”

Srhoj said officers were all wearing high-visibility garments and the patrol vehicles’ red and blue lights had been flashing.

“We are extremely grateful that our staff are all going to be okay. They will be sore for a while, but their injuries could have been much worse.”

Srhoj said police may consider charges.

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