State Highway 51 along Marine Parade in Napier is closed after a driver fleeing police crashed into another vehicle and a barrier on Wednesday morning.
A police spokesperson said they had signalled for a vehicle to stop due to the manner of driving in Maraenui about 9.45am.
“The vehicle failed to stop and fled, however got stuck in traffic on Marine Parade a short time later.
“The vehicle has struck a barrier and another vehicle, before the occupants have abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot.
“There were no injuries. Three people have been arrested. The road is currently closed while Police work to clear the scene – we’re asking motorists to please avoid the area if possible. Diversions are in place.”
New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) advised the crash was at the intersection with Ellison St at 9.52am.
“Due to a crash blocking the road, road users are advised to expect delays and take extra care.”
It was at least the second fleeing-driver incident in the Napier area in barely 12 hours.
Police said the “manner of driving” by an offender on suburban streets, which witnesses say involved high speeds, meant police had to abandon a “brief fleeing driver incident” about 9.10pm on Tuesday.
The driver did not stop, and was not located, police said.
Earlier on Wednesday, a vehicle struck a power pole and brought down power lines about 4.35am along Pakowhai Rd in the Hastings suburb of Frimley.
St John Ambulance and fire services attended but were not required. A police spokeswoman said the sole occupant of the vehicle left the scene following the crash and police were making enquiries.