Car crashes into power pole on Swiss Ave in Whanganui

Swiss Ave, between intersection of Elm St and Harper Rd. Photo / Bevan Conley

Whanganui emergency services were called to a crash in which a vehicle hit a power pole in Gonville.

The crash happened on Swiss Ave, between Elm St and Harper St, around 12.30pm on Tuesday.

Constable Trevor Scarrow said police ordered the driver of the car involved to stop about a kilometre from the crash site.

The driver allegedly drove off at high speeds. Scarrow said they didn't chase as it was a residential area and felt it would put members of the public in danger.

"We followed him down the road and witnesses said he continued at high speed. You can see the skid marks when he has lost control and eventually crashed. We arrived about a minute after the crash."

The driver allegedly fled the scene before police arrived.

"Inquiries are being made into who owned the vehicle."

He asked the public if police signal you to pull over, to do so as the potential consequences are far worse if you flee.

"You don't want to put the public at risk. Thankfully there were no children or anything on the street at the time."

Photo / Bevan Conley