Key Takeaways
- A crash occurred between a Holden Captiva and a van on Queen St, resulting in three injured people and two extensively damaged vehicles.
- The driver of the Holden Captiva failed to stop when signalled by police and was briefly pursued before the crash.
- The Central District Serious Crash Unit is investigating the crash, including the possibility of alcohol being a factor.
- Police are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage to aid in the investigation.
- The incident occurred around 7.15pm, and a section of the highway was closed until shortly after 11pm.
Introduction to the Incident
Acting Area Commander Manawatū, Ashley Gurney, reported that a serious crash occurred on Queen St, involving a Holden Captiva and a van. The incident happened around 7.15pm, and police had attempted to stop the Holden Captiva just minutes before the crash. Unfortunately, the driver failed to comply with the police signal, leading to a brief pursuit. However, due to the manner of driving, the police abandoned the chase immediately. This decision was likely made to prioritize the safety of all parties involved, including the driver, passengers, and other road users.
The Crash and Its Aftermath
The crash resulted in significant damage to both vehicles and injured three people. The driver of the Holden Captiva and a passenger were taken to hospital in a moderate condition. The incident was severe enough to warrant the closure of a section of the highway, which remained closed until shortly after 11pm. The first responders to the scene faced a challenging situation, with multiple injured individuals and extensively damaged vehicles. The police have commended the efforts of these responders, who played a crucial role in providing initial aid and support.
Investigation and Appeal for Information
The Central District Serious Crash Unit has taken over the investigation, which is still in its early stages. As part of their inquiry, the police are examining the scene and the vehicles involved to determine the cause of the crash. One aspect being considered is the possibility of alcohol being a factor in the incident. To aid in their investigation, the police are appealing to members of the public who may have witnessed the Holden Captiva driving south through Levin prior to the crash. Anyone with dashcam footage or other relevant video is urged to contact the police, as this could provide valuable evidence. The police can be contacted on 105, and anyone with information is encouraged to come forward.
Conclusion and Call to Action
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for drivers to exercise caution and follow the law. The police are working diligently to determine the cause of the crash and are seeking the public’s assistance in their investigation. By providing information or footage, members of the community can help the authorities to piece together the events surrounding the crash. As the investigation continues, it is essential for anyone with relevant information to come forward and contact the police. This will not only aid in the investigation but also help to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
