One dead, critically-injured person cut from car after high-speed crash into tree in Papatoetoe

A person is dead and a second is fighting for their life after a car fleeing police at high speed along a Papatoetoe road swerved to avoid spikes and smashed into a tree.

The crash happened on Lambie Dr around 11.40pm , with fire, police and St John all responding to the crash that left two trapped in a mangled wreck.

Relieving Counties Manukau District Commander Inspector Alison Brand confirmed a person had died following the crash.

She said it followed an incident where a vehicle failed to stop for police and fled from the scene.

“Police had signalled for the vehicle to stop on Davies Avenue around 11.40pm after units observed the vehicle travelling with stolen plates.

“The vehicle initially stopped for Police for a short time where attending officers spoke to the driver, however the vehicle did not remain, and left the area at speed towards Ronwood Avenue.

“Lights were activated and Police were preparing to deploy spikes, however the vehicle swerved and crashed into a tree.”

Brand said a number of emergency services responded and, despite efforts by first responders, the driver died at the scene.

A passenger received critical injuries and was transported to hospital.

“There are now several investigations underway, including a critical incident investigation and a policy, practice, and procedure investigation, as well as a Serious Crash investigation.

“As is standard procedure in these circumstances, the Independent Police Conduct Authority has been notified of the incident,” said Brand.

Fire and Emergency NZ was called at 11.42pm to the Papatoetoe crash , a spokesperson said.

“We dispatched two fire appliances, two rescue tenders, and a support vehicle to the scene where two people were trapped following a single-vehicle collision.

“Both were trapped, and crews were using rescue gear to extricate them.”

A Herald photographer at the scene reported that multiple rescue crews were using cutting equipment.

One occupant of the car was cut free after some time and rushed to hospital.

The first person was extricated from the car by firefighters and taken to hospital. Photo / Hayden Woodward

A police spokesperson at the scene said those involved were adults.

“At this stage, Lambie Drive will be blocked for several hours while we investigate. Our serious crash unit, photography, CIB (Criminal Investigation Branch) are all here.

“At this stage, we cannot make further comment. We will release a full statement later this morning.”

Ambulances, fire appliances, and police cars lined Lambie Drive following the collision. Traffic management had closed Lambie Drive in both directions from Puhinui Road.

More to come.

Emergency vehicles lined Lambie Drive, which was closed in both directions from Puhinui Rd following the crash. Photo / Hayden Woodward