A driver attempting to avoid police road spikes has been killed after his vehicle burst into flames when it hit a truck in Whanganui.
Photo: RNZ / Alexander Robertson
Inspector Mark Harrison said, at about 9.15am, police attempted to stop a vehicle on Great North Road but the driver fled.
Moments later, the male driver hit a cyclist. The police pursuit was called off and officers stayed with the cyclist, who suffered moderate injuries.
Road spikes were then deployed in an attempt to halt the driver but, in his attempt to avoid them, he hit a large stationary truck on Tayforth Road and the car burst into flames.
Mr Harrison said officers at the scene could do little but call the fire service and ambulance.
The car's driver died at the scene. The identity of the driver is yet to be released.
