Title: Police Committed To Finding Answers To Otara Crash

An experienced investigator from outside Counties Manukau district will lead the investigation into a fatal crash in Otara this morning involving a Police car and a 4WD vehicle.

The Independent Police Conduct Authority and the Coroner have also been informed and will carry out their own investigations in due course.

"Our thoughts are with the family of the dead woman and the injured man who is in Middlemore Hospital" says Superintendent John Tims, District Commander, Counties Manukau.

"Police will do everything we can to support the family and extended family following this tragedy.

"The facts known at the moment is that a Police officer was driving a marked vehicle along Ormiston Road towards Preston Road in Otara while attending a priority one job. This related to offenders still at the scene of a burglary.

"The lights and sirens were activated but the Police car collided with a 4WD vehicle in Ormiston Road. The woman passenger was critically injured and died on the way to hospital. The man driving was seriously hurt.

"Police are committed to finding out what occurred this morning - not only for us but for the family.

"This incident is every Police officer's worst nightmare. Our staff come to work every day to keep our communities safe. We never want something like this to happen.

"The Police officer involved is distressed and shocked. He was taken to hospital and has been discharged. He will be taking some time off to recover.

"This afternoon I will be making arrangements to speak to the family of the dead woman and the Police officer involved.

"Details about the speed of the Police vehicle and the exact circumstances of what happened will be established once a thorough investigation has taken place." said Mr Tims

Counties Manukau Police urge anyone who witnessed the crash to call 09 261 1300 immediately.

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