Crash investigators are working the scene of a serious crash in Clendon Park, South Auckland, after a vehicle collided with a tree. Video / NZ Herald
A resident on a street where a person died and another suffered critical injuries last night when a car was allegedly shoved off the road during a chase says the tragedy is a “damn shame”.
Police say several investigations are under way and the driver of the pursuing vehiclehas been arrested.
The passenger of the vehicle that was being chased is dead, while the driver is in critical condition.
Counties Manukau District Commander Superintendent Shanan Gray said officers were in the Clendon Park area on an unrelated job when they saw a Mitsubishi vehicle pulling out of Sharland Rd closely followed by an Isuzu.
“Officers were concerned the Mitsubishi was being chased by the Isuzu and signalled for the Isuzu to stop on Roscommon Rd.
“Moments after lights and sirens were activated, the Isuzu made contact with the Mitsubishi, causing the vehicle to leave the road and collide with a tree.
“Police immediately gave first aid, but the passenger of the vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene.
“The driver was transported to hospital in a critical condition, where they remain. The driver of the Isuzu was arrested at the scene and transported to hospital with minor injuries.”
Police officers are going door-to-door this morning as they try to piece together what happened. Photo / Jason Dorday
A resident on Wordsworth Ave, two houses away from the crash site, said they “didn’t hear anything overnight” and described news of the fatality as “a damn shame”.
The man whose family has lived in the area for years said Roscommon Rd was a very busy route and street racing had always been an issue in the area.
The crash happened at the intersection of Roscommon Rd and Wordsworth Rd in Clendon Park last night. Photo / Hayden Woodward
However, efforts had been made on side streets to calm traffic such as installing speed bumps, he said.
A worker at the Sharland Avenue Superette, where the pursuit started, was surprised to hear of the crash.
They said Sharland Ave was generally a quiet street, “especially after 8pm”.
The scene this morning. Photo / Jason Dorday
A staff member at Milan’s Bakery & Cafe on Sharland Ave said that while Roscommon Rd was busy, the side streets were very quiet and safe, and road racing wasn’t an issue.
A scene examination has been completed by the Serious Crash Unit and the road has since reopened, police said.
Two police officers could be seen this morning at a house on the corner of Roscommon Rd and Wordsworth Rd, adjacent to where the crash occurred.
The officers refused to comment on the investigation and referred questions to the police media team.
Gray said several investigations were now under way, “which will work to establish all the facts surrounding this morning’s tragic incident”.
