A Dunedin police officer is recovering at home after being hit by a courier van while in attendance at a car crash scene last night.
A Dunedin police officer was hit by a courier van after cordoning off the site of a car crash. Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller
The officer's patrol car was parked on the side of the road acting as a safety cordon for staff working on an earlier crash near an off-ramp from the Southern Motorway in Dunedin.
The officer was wearing high-visibility clothing and the patrol car had its lights flashing when the incident occurred about 9.45pm.
"The incident is being investigated but initial indications suggest a passing motorist has stopped on the road near the patrol car and an oncoming courier van driver has braked heavily and swerved to avoid a collision," Senior Sergeant Craig Dinnissen said.
"The van has then skidded into the path of the officer and patrol vehicle.
"The officer leapt out of the way but was struck by the front corner of the van. She was knocked to the ground and the van hit the right rear corner of the patrol car."
The officer sustained minor injuries as a result of the impact and was recovering at home.
The incident was a timely reminder to drivers to reduce their speed to 20km/h when approaching accident sites for the safety of those working at crashes, Mr Dinnissen said.
"Police would like to hear from the driver of the first car that stopped. This is described as a light coloured sedan or hatchback being driven by an older woman," he said.
"Police would also like to hear from the driver of a light coloured ute who stopped following the crash and offered further information.
As well as anyone who was in the area at the time and witnessed the crash."
Anyone with information should contact Dunedin police on (03) 471-4800.
