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.
As inquiries continue, police are appealing for information about a second vehicle – a silver hatchback – that was seen in the area. It’s believed the stolen car overtook the hatchback shortly before the crash. Investigators stress the occupants of the hatchback are not suspected of any wrongdoing, but may have crucial information to assist the investigation.
A critical incident team from Tuggerah Lakes Police District is investigating under Strike Force Willgoyne, with oversight from the Professional Standards Command and the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission.
Anyone with information or dashcam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.