Probe launched into police car crash

Blenheim police have launched an investigation into a two-car crash north of Kaikoura last night involving a Kaikoura police car.

Kaikoura police Sergeant Tony Yardley and a constable were returning from Kekerengu in a late model Holden Commodore patrol car at about 5.50pm when the crash happened on State Highway 1 at Mangamaumu, 12km north of Kaikoura.

Mr Yardley said today they had driven around a moderate corner onto a straight, when a northbound car allegedly crossed the centre line and hit the patrol car just behind the driver's door pillar.

The force of the impact caused the patrol car to spin around, hitting a bank head-on and coming to rest against the bank. The car's airbags activated, and the two police officers were left shaken with only minor injuries.

The police car was extensively damaged, while the other car, driven by a Picton woman, received frontal damage. The woman was not hurt in the crash.

Mr Yardley said Blenheim police's strategic traffic unit was investigating the crash.

Marlborough Area Commander Steve Caldwell said inquiries so far indicated the driver of the other vehicle involved in the accident had lost control of her car and crossed the centre line just before the crash.

- NZPA