Two people have died and another is in a critical condition after a speeding vehicle collided with a power pole in west Auckland overnight.
At 12:38am, a police unit saw a vehicle travelling at speed in the opposite direction on Henderson Valley Rd, Detective Inspector Kevin McNaughton from the Waitemata CIB said in a statement.
The vehicle drove past the officers, who performed a quick U-turn to trail the car.
"The vehicle continued along Henderson Valley Rd at speed, some distance from our officers," Det Insp McNaughton explained. "The officers did not activate lights and sirens."
A short time later, the police found the vehicle had crashed into a power pole further along the main road. It's lights appeared to have been turned off.
The officers immediately attempted to provide first aid to the occupants.
"Tragically, two people have died," Det Insp McNaughton said.
"Another person is in a critical condition and one person is in a stable condition in hospital. Police have notified next of kin."
An investigation is underway to determine the circumstances of the fatal collision, he said. A scene examination has been carried out with the help of the Serious Crash Unit.
Henderson Valley Rd remains closed while damaged power lines are being restored.
"The IPCA has been notified, as is standard procedure for incidents of this nature."
