A driver fleeing police is among six people killed and multiple others injured in a series of crashes across the country in less than 24 hours.
Shortly before 3am this morning, police signalled for a vehicle to stop on Kelvin St in Invercargill.
"The driver failed to stop, and the vehicle fled. It was not pursued," police said.
The vehicle was found a short time later, having crashed at the intersection of Leet and Kelvin streets.
One person died at the scene.
The road would remain closed while the serious crash unit examined the scene and the circumstances of the crash.
The crash has been referred to the Independent Police Conduct Authority, as was standard procedure.
Anyone who witnessed the crash or had CCTV in the vicinity of Wellesley Ave, Avenal St or Kelvin St was asked to contact police.
Five killed in separate crashes, roads closed
Five others were killed in separate crashes across the country overnight and today.
Police said one person died following a single-vehicle crash on Howden Rd in Temple View, near Hamilton, around 8.40pm last night.
Despite the efforts of emergency personnel, the person died at the scene.
A second person died following a single-vehicle crash in Southland overnight.
Emergency services were called to Winding Creek Rd around 12.40am, police said.
One person received moderate injuries in the crash and was seen by ambulance services.
The road was expected to be closed for most of the day.
St John said it responded one first response unit, one ambulance, one rapid response unit and one helicopter.
One patient was airlifted to Dunedin Hospital in a serious condition.
A third person died at the scene of a two-vehicle crash on Auckland's South-Western Motorway around 6.15am this morning.
Two others sustained moderate injuries in the collision.
St John said it responded with three ambulances, one rapid response unit and one manager.
A section of the motorway was closed but had since reopened.
The serious crash unit was investigating the circumstances behind all three crashes.
This evening, police confirmed a fourth person had died following a single-vehicle crash on SH43/Forgotten World Highway before noon today.
Emergency services were called to the scene on Ōhura Rd around 11.30am.
The road remained closed and motorists were advised to continue to avoid the area.
A fifth person was killed following a single-vehicle crash in Whakatāne this evening.
Police were called to the scene in Waiōhau about 5.15pm, where the sole occupant was found dead.
The road was closed while the serious crash unit examined the scene.
Diversions were in place, and motorists were asked to avoid the area.
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