Fleeing driver injures three in crash
The driver of a stolen car that hit another vehicle on Saturday was arrested soon after the crash, police say.
Emergency services were called to the collision at the intersection of Bealey Ave and Manchester St, in central Christchurch, just before 1.30am on Saturday.
The sister of a woman injured after being hit by the driver, who was fleeing police, believes a seatbelt saved her sister’s life.
A police spokeswoman said on Saturday a driver in a reportedly stolen vehicle failed to stop for police and fled in Rangiora, shortly before 1am.
But on Sunday, police said a youth was arrested at the time of the crash.
‘‘A youth was arrested at the time and will be referred to Youth Aid for a number of offences relating to the incident. Police are not seeking anyone else.’’
Police did not pursue the driver but they were monitored by police units in the area and with traffic cameras ‘‘travelling at speed’’, she said.
The fleeing driver then hit another car and a power pole near the intersection of Bealey Ave and Manchester St about 1.15am, injuring three people.
Police cordoned off the road to examine the scene.
An investigation into the circumstances of the crash was continuing.
A St John spokeswoman confirmed three people had been injured in the crash, and two ambulances were sent to treat them after 1am.
Two people had moderate injuries and another had minor injuries. All three were taken to Christchurch Hospital.
Adele, who asked that her last name not be included, told Stuff her 22-year-old sister and her partner were on Bealey Ave turning right into Manchester St when the fleeing driver sped through a red light, smashing into the ute they were in.
The impact rolled their ute and sent it sliding across the road, she said.
Her sister was struggling to move her head, had deep grazing and bruising following the crash and was rushed to hospital.