Teenager died in Katikati highway crash

The driver of a stolen vehicle that crashed near Katikati yesterday evening was an 18-year-old man from Huntly.

The man was killed when the Hyundai Accent he was driving collided with a Nissan Bluebird travelling in the opposite direction.

The driver of the Nissan, a 54-year-old Waihi man, is in Tauranga Hospital in a stable condition with moderate injuries.

An investigation into the cause of the crash is underway and the Independent Police Conduct Authority is being notified, which is a matter of course when police have been following a vehicle prior to a crash.

The accident happened just after 5pm last night.

State Highway 2 re-opened about 9pm.

The name of the deceased man is expected to be named later today once all the relevant notifications have taken place, police said.

Police still want to hear from any witnesses to the crash or to the manner of driving of the green Hyundai Accent vehicle prior to the crash.

Anyone with information relevant to this investigation is asked to contact Tauranga Police on 07 577 4300.