Car which crashed, caught fire was in police chase

A stolen car which crashed and burst into flames in south Auckland overnight was being pursued by police.

The grey Nissan Skyline collided with a pole on Kirkbride Road in Mangere about 1.25am, Northern police communications Inspector Anthony Edwards said.

The car then struck a concrete bus shelter and burst into flames.

The 16-year-old driver managed to escape from the car but the passenger had to be helped out by police.

Mr Edwards said both were taken to Auckland's Middlemore Hospital for assessment and one was released a short time later.

An initial scene investigation indicated the car's fuel line had ruptured causing fuel to leak and ignite shortly after impact.

A police officer at the scene said he believed the car occupants were lucky to be alive.

If it had not been for the quick response and actions by the attending officers the crash would probably have been fatal, he said.

The incident is being investigated by the Independent Police Conduct Authority.

- NZPA