Street racer must wait to hear fate

Amy Duncan's leg was amputated after an accident in which she was struck by a car driven by Khan Roper. Photos / Supplied

A teen driver whose out-of-control car struck and seriously injured a 17-year-old girl during an illegal street race will have to wait up to a month before knowing whether he will face charges.

Khan Roper is believed to have been driving the vehicle that struck Amy Duncan, also 17, as she crossed a carpark on Manuka Rd, Bayview, early on Friday.

Ms Duncan was taken to hospital, where doctors had to amputate her leg below the knee.

The former Glenfield College student was planning to serve in the Royal New Zealand Navy as a gunner.

An Auckland Hospital spokeswoman last night said that Ms Duncan was in a comfortable condition.

The Serious Crash Unit has begun an investigation into the crash, but Sergeant Stu Kearns said it could be three to four weeks before all aspects were examined and any potential charges laid.

"We are not in a rush because it's not a 'whodunnit'," he said.

"It's a case of speaking to all the witnesses, both the drivers, waiting for all of the reports, waiting for alcohol results.

"It can take three or four weeks to make any headway."

Mr Kearns said police would look at whether the environment has a part to play in the crash.

"If we find fault with the road we will liaise with the local authorities and make any recommendations... whether they take any action from these recommendations is their decision."

The crash was one of many cases in Auckland where death or injury had occurred through illegal street racing, and the area was known as a congregation point, Mr Kearns said.

He confirmed police would look into resident reports of car hoons in the area.

"Some residents living close by have made comments that this has been an ongoing problem for some time.

"Certainly, there is evidence at the bottom of the street where wheelies have been undertaken."

"But putting things in perspective, it would be one of many roads in Auckland which racers frequent," Mr Kearns said.

Police have spoken to Mr Roper, 17, and the driver of the other car, and two officers who attended the scene on the night.

Mr Kearns urged more witnesses to come forward.

"People are being interviewed and witnesses are being spoken to.

"Further inquiries will have to be made before we can come to a decision in relation to appropriate charges."

He said a number of drivers had been charged with alcohol-related offences.

Penalties in relation to illegal street racing had escalated over the years, particularly where injury and death were concerned, he said.

The incident happened on Manuka Rd, which has a downhill stretch for several kilometres to a boat ramp.

"Where these two vehicles actually started from is unknown at this stage. Both vehicles were seen racing in the last 100 to 200m of Manuka Rd," Mr Kearns said.

He confirmed the car that hit the girl was a white Subaru WRX.

"At this stage, I haven't got the details of the other vehicle. I understand the car that was racing hit the girl and a parked car.

"These vehicles have been impounded, along with the second vehicle that was racing."