KEY POINTS:
Workers in an inner-city office got a shock when a 4WD vehicle was struck by a police car and propelled through their glass frontage yesterday.
Two investigations are under way, including one for the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA), after the collision at a central Christchurch intersection, about 1.45pm, between the unmarked police car and the 4WD.
The 40-year-old woman driver of the 4WD was trapped in the upturned vehicle after the crash, and was comforted by office workers until she was freed by emergency services.
She was taken to Christchurch Hospital for treatment, but her injuries are not life-threatening.
Police said its unmarked car was following a speeding moped when it entered the controlled intersection with its lights and sirens on.
Police would not comment on what colour the traffic light was, but at least one witness said it was red.
The traumatised police officer was not injured.
Tui McBeath, manager of a branch of Workbridge, said her office was full of people when the 4WD smashed through the full-length glass frontage with a "massive bang".
Some of the stunned staff had to steady the "teetering" vehicle after it had rolled on to its roof and came through the window backwards.
"God knows how it flipped around that much but it did," she said.
Inspector Gary Knowles, acting Canterbury police district commander, said the officer driving the car was interviewed yesterday, as was the woman driver and witnesses.
The police serious crash unit was investigating the collision, while a separate investigation was under way for reporting to the IPCA.
