Police remain at the scene of a head on vehicle collision on State Highway Two near Te Karaka.
Police can confirm two vehicles were involved in the crash, with three occupants in one vehicle and four in the other.
Police can also confirm that moments before the collision, a police unit initiated a pursuit due to the driving of the vehicle.
It appears a stationary police unit has observed the vehicle exceeding the posted speed limit and has initiated a pursuit under lights and sirens. Within seconds of the officer initiating the pursuit, the vehicle has crashed into another vehicle further down the road.
As with all police pursuits that result in a crash, the Independent Police Conduct Authority has also been notified.
A serious crash investigation has begun into the circumstances leading up to the crash.
ENDS
Released by Inspector Sam Aberahama, Tairawhiti Area Commander