Fatal crash: One dead, 16 injured after car fails to stop for police

One person has died and 16 people have been injured in a crash involving a bus and two cars - including a police car - north of Auckland.

The crash happened on SH1 near Warkworth earlier this evening.

Waitematā District Commander Superintendent Naila Hassan confirmed one person had died in the crash.

“The vehicles involved were a bus and two other vehicles, one of which was a Police patrol vehicle,” Hassan said.

“Shortly before the crash, staff in the patrol vehicle had observed another vehicle travelling at excess speed on SH1.

“Our initial information is that they signalled for it to stop, at which point it has veered suddenly and collided with the bus.”

The driver of that car died.

St John said it treated 16 injured people; including two who had serious injuries. The police officer suffered moderate injuries.

The injured people were taken to Auckland City Hospital and North Shore Hospital.

SH1 WARKWORTH - SERIOUS CRASH - 6:50PM
The road is CLOSED between Woodcocks Rd and Mckinney Rd due to a serious crash. Please follow the indications by emergency services on-site and expect delays. ^SG pic.twitter.com/8xGaCZMoTa

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) November 26, 2022

Hassan said the bus which was hit by the car was carrying about 40 passengers.

“Police staff will now work to support all of those involved in the crash,” she said.

“The Serious Crash Unit is examining the scene and will establish the full circumstances of what has occurred.

“The IPCA will also be notified.”

The road is closed and diversions are in place.

Police have asked motorists to avoid the area, if possible.