Teenage driver of ute killed during police chase at Macksville after colliding with truck
Updated
A young teenage driver has died after a police chase that lasted for about 50 kilometres ended in a crash on the New South Wales mid-north coast this morning.
Police had been pursing the vehicle along the Pacific Highway near Macksville when it collided into an oncoming B-double truck that was travelling in the opposite direction.
"It's a tragic situation, not only for the police involved and the other emergency services, but more so for the family," Superintendent Paul Fehon said.
"Even the young teenager's friends we feel for them at this time."
A critical incident team has launched an investigation into the crash, which happened on a notoriously dangerous stretch of road north of Macksville.
Officers said they attempted to stop a ute in Kempsey about 2:00am and gave chase after the driver refused to pull over.
"It's been a dramatic scene there due to the heavy [nature of the] impact," Superintendent Fehon said.
The pursuit continued north along the Pacific Highway until the ute collided with a B-double truck and was crumpled beyond recognition.
The truck driver was uninjured and taken to hospital for mandatory testing.
Police would not comment when asked why they had tried to pull the teen over, or what speeds were reached during the chase.
"Those matters will be subject to the coroner's investigation," Superintendent Fehon said.
"The critical incident team will be gathering that information."
Superintendent Fehon said a report would be prepared for the coroner.
Extensive roadworks are being carried out on the highway between Warrell Creek and Nambucca Heads.
Topics: road, police, crime, law-crime-and-justice, traffic-offences, macksville-2447
First posted
