27 March 2010
Four investigations have begun following a fatal collision on the north side of Hamilton that happened a short time after a Police pursuit was abandoned.
Waikato Road Policing Manager, Inspector Leo Tooman, said the crash happened on the south side of the intersection of Gordonton and Puketaha Roads shortly before 4pm.
"As a member of the Waikato Highway Patrol was leaving a service station on the corner of Thomas and Horesham Downs Roads he noticed a blue Mazda 323 being driven in a manner to cause concern and began to follow it.
"A pursuit has begun which was managed by the Police Northern Communications Centre however after about 1minute and 57 seconds it appears the officer has advised comms of concerns about the driving manner of the offender and that he was abandoning the pursuit but that is still to be confirmed."
Mr Tooman said about 10 seconds later the southbound Mazda has collided with a northbound Toyota people mover carrying six people.
The 27-year-old male driver of the Mazda died at the scene from injuries sustained in the crash.
"The Highway Patrol officer witnessed the crash and immediately called for assistance before commencing to evacuate the occupants of the van, all of whom were taken by ambulance to Waikato Hospital to be checked out. None suffered life threatening injuries."
Gordonton Rd was closed for over two hours to allow crash investigators to commence their investigation.
"In addition to that inquiry a full investigation is underway by the Hamilton CIB which will be overseen by senior Police from outside the Waikato District.
"The Independent Police Complaints Authority has also been advised as has the Coroner, it's still too early to comment on what caused the crash or to confirm the victim's identity" said Mr Tooman.
End