A dramatic crash last night which has left four teenagers in hospital – two fighting for their lives – came after the driver fled police who’d told them to stop because of how they were driving, a top cop says. 

The 8.20pm crash on Coatesville-Riverhead Highway in the West Auckland suburb of Kumeu occurred just after police signalled the driver to stop “due to the manner of driving”, Waitematā District Commander Superintendent Naila Hassan said. 

“The vehicle fled and was not being pursued at the time of the crash. A short time later, the vehicle lost control and crashed, coming to rest upside down against a residential property.” 

Four nearby police staff – who had been seizing a separate vehicle – heard the crash and responded immediately, finding the vehicle and providing first aid to those inside, Hassan said. 

“This is a horrific incident with devastating consequences for the young people involved. It is extremely fortunate that no other members of the public were injured.” 

Nearby residents heard a vehicle travelling at speed just before the crash, one telling the Herald: “It was just insane the speed they were going”. 

Photos from the scene showing where the vehicle left the road appeared to show it’d cleared a stream before coming to rest against the house, where an occupant told the Herald all four teens had to be cut from the vehicle. 

A Hato Hone St John Ambulance spokeswoman said they sent four ambulances, five rapid response units, two operations managers and a major Incident Support Team unit to help. 

Four people were taken to Auckland City Hospital, two each in critical and serious conditions. 

Hassan said two remain in a critical condition today. 

Damage left at the scene on Coatesville-Riverhead Highway following a serious crash last night that left four people with critical injuries. Photo / Hayden Woodward 

The vehicle appeared to have cleared a stream before coming to rest against the house. Photo / Hayden Woodward 

The Serious Crash Unit had completed a scene examination, and police were doing a full investigation into the cause of the crash, and the events leading up to it, she said. 

“Due to the nature of the incident, the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) has been notified.” 

The scene of the crash on Coatesville-Riverhead Highway in West Auckland. Photo / Hayden Woodward 

They were supporting the families of those injured “and the officers who responded to this tragic scene”. 

“We are still in the early stages of our investigation and expect it will take time to answer all the questions surrounding this incident. 

“At the heart of this is a tragic decision to flee police. We want to reiterate – if you are signalled to stop, please pull over. 

“No life is worth the risk.” 

Cherie Howie is an Auckland-based reporter who joined the Herald in 2011. She has been a journalist for more than 20 years and specialises in general news and features.