Seven lucky to survive high-speed crash

Seven teenagers involved in a high-speed crash were lucky to escape more serious injuries, say police and a resident who rushed to help.

The female driver was seriously hurt but her six passengers, one of whom was pregnant, walked away with just bruising and scratches after the stationwagon crashed in Bayswater Ave on the North Shore on Wednesday night. Passengers told police the 16-year-old driver was doing at least 100km/h when she lost control on a slight bend on the 50km/h street.

The car rolled several times and came to rest on its roof.

Three passengers were taken to hospital but discharged that night. The driver's condition was improving yesterday.

Police are investigating whether the stationwagon was racing another car. They have details of the driver of a second vehicle that left the scene, and are appealing for him to come forward and speak to them.

Crash investigator Constable Colin Nuttall said the occupants were "all very lucky". He believed some had been wearing seatbelts.

A local woman who rushed to the scene said the car was almost unrecognisable as a stationwagon.

"Except for the driver, who was in a very bad condition, I was surprised how little blood there was." She spoke to one of the teenagers, who said she was pregnant but did not want to go to hospital.

Residents yesterday said cars often raced on the long road and some had lost control in the past.

"There is a lot of boy-racing activity up and down the road and quite often you'll see black marks and shredded tyres," said resident Paul Jackson.

The North Shore City Council is also looking into the crash and will assess whether changes are needed to improve safety.