Three killed, others injured in New Zealand

Three people have died in crashes overnight in Waikato and Auckland, while police are appealing for information about two other people in Invercargill and Hawke’s Bay.

One person has died following a two-vehicle collision involving a motorcycle and a car in Morrinsville. Police said the incident in Coronation Street was reported at around 6.50pm.

A man was also killed in a single-vehicle crash on Ohaupo Road, south of Hamilton. Police were called to the scene just after 10pm.

A motorcyclist was killed in a two-vehicle collision in the south Auckland suburb of Clendon Park early on Sunday morning.

Emergency services were called to the scene of a crash involving a lorry and a motorcycle at around 2.50am in Roscommon Road. According to police, the motorcyclist died.

The Serious Accident Unit inspected the scene and investigated the circumstances of the crash.

Two other crashes, one in Invercargill and the other in Hawke’s Bay, resulted in life-threatening and serious injuries. Police are appealing to the public for information about both crashes.

Invercargill driver fled before crash – police

Three people were injured after a car fleeing from police collided with another vehicle in Invercargill, Southern District Superintendent Jason Guthrie said.

He said officers attempted to stop the vehicle on Venus Street in Georgetown around 1:40 a.m.

The driver failed to stop and officers “did not initiate a pursuit due to the manner of driving,” Guthrie said.

“A short time later, a vehicle drove through the intersection of Janet and Ness streets, colliding with another vehicle and causing property damage.

“One occupant of the fleeing vehicle was seriously injured and another was seriously injured. A passenger in the other vehicle also suffered serious injuries and another received minor injuries.”

The road was closed as police officers investigated the crash site.

“Motorists are asked to avoid the area unless you are a resident.”

The incident has been referred to the Independent Police Oversight Authority. Police urged anyone who may have witnessed the incident or have video to contact authorities.

Three car crash on Hawke’s Bay Expressway

A major crash on the Hawke’s Bay Expressway has left two people critically injured overnight and the driver of another vehicle with serious injuries.

Emergency services were called to a section of State Highway 2 at around 11.35pm last night, with police saying a number of people involved had fled the scene of the crash.

“The occupants of one of the vehicles fled the scene and have not yet been located. They are believed to have been picked up by another vehicle outside the crash site,” police said.

“Police would like to hear from anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has information that could assist our investigation.

“We would particularly like to hear from anyone who has dash cam footage around the time of the incident which may have captured a white Mazda 6 station wagon or green Ford Falcon traveling south on the expressway.”