Two hurt as driver flees police

An attempt to evade a police checkpoint landed two teenage passengers in Dunedin Hospital on Saturday and the male driver facing serious driving charges.

Police say speed and alcohol were factors in the early morning single-vehicle crash.

Acting Senior Sergeant Barry Hansen said the scene was a sickening mess. "The scene speaks for itself really. They are very, very lucky to be alive."

The 18-year-old male driver suffered only minor injuries and was not taken to hospital.

His two passengers were not as lucky. An 18-year-old woman was listed yesterday in a serious but stable condition in the high-dependency unit of Dunedin Hospital and a 19-year-old woman was progressing favourably in a general ward.

The vehicle was travelling at such speed it went into a concrete siding before the bridge and was then airborne before landing on Stuart St. The engine was found about 50m away from the car.

The driver has been charged with dangerous driving causing injury, and more charges are likely to be laid.

- OTAGO DAILY TIMES