Speed and a Stolen Car Not a Good Combination – Pukekohe

Tuesday, 12 August 2014 - 1:35pm

Counties Manukau

Police have attended a serious crash this morning involving two young people and a stolen vehicle.

At about 4:15am this morning Police were called to assist at the scene of a crash on Helvetia Road, Pukekohe. A car had hit a tree at speed and both occupants, aged 24 and 18, were taken to hospital in a serious condition. The driver, who it is believed was not wearing a seatbelt, was thrown from the vehicle while the passenger was pulled from the back seat.

The vehicle, a white Subaru Legacy, was reportedly stolen from the registered owner’s address overnight. It is thought that speed was a factor in the crash and blood tests will determine if alcohol had a part to play.

“It’s highly disappointing to see a crash like this,” says Inspector Richard Wilkie, Counties Manukau Police Road Policing Manager. “We now have two young people in hospital fighting for their lives following a crash that should never have happened.”

Preliminary indications indicate that the driver failed to negotiate a bend at speed, which is signposted with a recommended safe speed of 35km/h. It is the same location of another serious crash which occurred last year.

Inspector Wilkie said neither occupant was appropriately licensed to be driving at the time of the crash.

“Counties Manukau Police has a strong focus on improving road safety, while also reducing vehicle crime and youth crime. This crash is a sobering reminder of how poor decision-making can have potentially devastating consequences, and Police will be continuing to target all three of these areas to keep our communities safe."

ENDS

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