Driver in critical condition after crash

A driver was taken to hospital in a critical condition after smashing into a tree on State Highway 45, Taranaki in the early hours of Saturday morning.

The crash was one of two serious collisions around New Plymouth that kept emergency services busy over night.

About 3.45am on Saturday police were alerted to an assault in the city where the alleged offender had taken off in a car, Inspector Brett Calkin, Central District prevention manager, said.

Officers en route to the scene saw the vehicle and tried to stop it but the driver attempted to evade police and hit a tree a short time later.

Firefighters had to cut him free from the mangled wreckage of his vehicle and he was taken to Taranaki Base Hospital by St

John ambulance in a critical condition.

‘‘This is a terrible outcome for the driver, his family and our staff,’’ Calkin said.

‘‘The decision whether or not to pursue a fleeing driver is always a tough one and it’s one our staff take most seriously. We continue to urge anyone signalled to stop by police to do so immediately. It is simply not worth putting yourself and others at risk.’’

Calkin said speed and alcohol were suspected to be factors in the crash which would be investigated by the Independent Police Conduct Authority and police investigators.

Police wanted to hear from anyone who witnessed the crash and encouraged them to contact the New Plymouth Police station on 06 759 5500 or via 105.

The driver remains in ICU at Taranaki Base Hospital in a stable condition.

The first crash happened about 7pm on Friday on Coronation

Ave, when two cars collided and one was shunted through the fence at the Pukekura Raceway.

Senior station officer Blake Marston, New Plymouth fire brigade, said firefighters had to cut a person free from each vehicle.

Three fire appliances and two rescue tenders attended and the brigade remained at the scene until 8.20pm.

St John ambulance transported two patients to hospital both in a serious condition.