A critical incident investigation was launched following a two car collision on Showground Rd Gosford that hospitalized six people.
Police were patrolling Showground Rd, Gosford, around 10:30pm, Friday, January 22, when a Hyundai Getz failed to stop after being signalled to do so. Police activated their lights and sirens, however, the driver allegedly failed to stop and police initiated a pursuit. According to NSW Police assistant commissioner Jeff Loy, the driver of the Hyundai switched off the headlights to evade the police pursuit moments before the crash.
After a short distance, the Hyundai collided with a Honda Jazz on Showground Rd. The Hyundai, which overturned, had fi ve teenage occupants. The driver and front passenger, both males aged 17 and 19, who were trapped for a short time, were taken to hospital in critical conditions. The three rear passengers, two boys aged 17 and 16 and a 17 year old girl, were also trapped, but were released after a short time and taken to hospital in serious conditions.
The driver of the Jazz was trapped for s short time before being treated at the scene and taken to Gosford hospital in a serious condition. She was reported to be a nurse and mother of fi ve on her way to work at Gosford hospital. One patient was airlifted to John Hunter Hospital and another to Royal North Shore, both in serious conditions.
A critical incident team from Lake Macquarie Local Area Command will now investigate all circumstances surrounding the incident, including the pursuit, and will be assisted by the Crash Investigation Unit. On Saturday, January 23 a police briefi ng revealed that the Hyundai Getz was allegedly stolen from a pizza delivery man at The Entrance on January 1. Police will allege a replica pistol was also found in the vehicle. A 17-year-old male remained under police guard at Gosford Hospital on Saturday, January 23. Police allege he was wanted on several outstanding warrants.
Media releases, Jan 22, 23, 2016 NSW Police media