Breaking News: Teen Dead, Critical Incident Declared After Police Pursuit Crash – Hunter Valley

Breaking News: Teen Dead, Critical Incident Declared After Police Pursuit Crash – Hunter Valley

A critical incident has been declared after a teenage boy was killed and four others injured in a police pursuit that ended in a crash in the Hunter Valley overnight.

Just before midnight, officers from Traffic and Highway Patrol Command attempted to stop a speeding vehicle on the New England Highway at Aberdeen. When the driver allegedly failed to stop, a pursuit continued north before the car crashed near Makybe Diva Street at Scone.

The 14-year-old driver and his 17-year-old front-seat passenger were trapped in the wreck. Despite efforts by paramedics, the passenger died at the scene. The driver was airlifted to John Hunter Hospital, along with three passengers – two boys aged 14 and 17, and a 25-year-old woman – all suffering non-life-threatening injuries.

Police believe the vehicle was stolen from a Wallsend business earlier that evening. Crash Investigation Unit officers are examining the scene.

The circumstances surrounding the pursuit and crash are now under investigation by a critical incident team from Tuggerah Lakes Police District, operating under Strike Force Willgoyne. The review will be independently overseen by the Professional Standards Command and the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission.