Alleged drink-driver ploughs through intersection (+ video)

An alleged drink-driver missed ploughing into passing cars by just seconds after failing to stop at an intersection.

The near-miss was captured on security camera by a Rotorua man who says those inside the car had a lucky escape and "should all be dead".

The car, a four-door Mitsubishi, can be seen in the footage coming straight out of Pererika St on to Old Taupo Rd in the early hours of Tuesday without stopping, only seconds after two cars went past.

The car then crashes into a hedge, narrowly missing a power pole.

Adam Newson, from Adam's Cave hair salon on the corner of Pererika St and Old Taupo Rd, who lives nearby on Uta St, said he was at home and heard the crash about 3am.

It was enough to wake him so he rushed down the road to check if his business was okay.

He said the car had at least two, possibly three, girls inside, and police and St John Ambulance attended.

Mr Newson said the police noted he had security cameras outside his business.

"They [those inside the car] are so lucky they crashed into a massive hedge because it just missed a power pole.

"They can buy Lotto tickets for the rest of their lives. They all should be dead."

Scene of a car crash at the Old Taupo Rd and Pererika St intersection. PHOTO/ANDREW WARNER

Senior Sergeant Nicky Riordan of Rotorua police said police attended and the driver was arrested and charged with drink-driving.

She said more charges could be laid.

She said a police team carried out an examination of the crash scene yesterday to try to work out how fast the car was travelling before it crashed.

A police spokesman said they were not aware of any injuries.

The driver was to appear in the Rotorua District Court.