Crash follows police pursuit, one critical

File photo / NZ Herald

A crash which followed a police pursuit in Palmerston North this morning has left an 18-year-old in hospital in a critical condition.

Police spotted a Honda Accord driving 'erratically' at 2.15am and chased the car after it failed to stop for officers.

About 30 seconds after the chase started, the car failed to take a sharp left-hand bend and crashed into a large concrete sign.

The 18-year-old driver had to be cut free by the Fire Service and is now in a critical condition in Palmerston North Hospital.

Two others in the car were uninjured, but taken to hospital to be checked an later released.

An investigation in now underway, an no one has been arrested over the incident.

Meanwhile a crash south of Christchurch last night has left one dead, and two injured.

A car and a 4WD collided on State Highway 75 near Tai Tapu, about 28km south of Christchurch, at 11:40pm last night said police.

"The driver of the car travelling towards Tai Tapu from Christchurch appeared to have died instantly. The driver and passenger of the 4WD travelling in the opposite direction suffered minor to moderate injuries and were taken to Christchurch Hospital by Ambulance."

Senior Constable Jim Manning of Lincoln Police is investigating the crash.

The name of the person who died in the crash has not yet been released, but will be made known after the family have been told.

- APNZ