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Google Maps / supplied
The fatal chase began in the center of Kaitaia. (File photo).
One person died after a police chase in Northland overnight.
The fleeing vehicle crashed into a power pole, killing one passenger in the back seat and seriously injuring two others, police confirmed.
Northland District Commander Superintendent Tony Hill said police began a chase in Kaitaia just before 1:30 a.m. Saturday, but that it was soon abandoned due to the speeding and driving of the fleeing car.
The fleeing vehicle then continued down a country road and crashed.
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The driver of the car and another passenger were flown to Auckland for emergency medical treatment after sustaining serious injuries, Hill said.
A back seat passenger died at the scene.
Two other passengers suffered moderate to minor injuries.
Hill said fleeing driver incidents can be “volatile, unpredictable and high-risk,” and deciding whether to pursue a fleeing driver was one of the most serious decisions faced by police on the front lines.
”Our officers come to work every day to keep people safe and prevent harm, so this is the worst possible outcome.
“I want to extend my condolences to the families affected by this tragedy.”
The circumstances of this incident will be subject to a police investigation and the Independent Authority for Police Conduct will be notified.
The road was closed for an examination of the scene overnight and reopened shortly before 6 a.m. M.
