Woman critical after disqualified driver crashes in Hamilton

A female passenger is in a critical condition in Waikato Hospital following a crash in Hamilton in which the disqualified driver of a car crashed into a power-pole  yesterday afternoon.

Sergeant Dale Smith said a Police patrol car came across the crashed station-wagon on Masters Ave about 1.20pm.

"The car had hit a power-pole and had live wires draped over it which were arching when the officer pulled up.

"A male rear seat passenger had managed to climb out of the car however that wasn't the case for the man and woman up front who were both trapped and had to be cut out by firefighters."

Mr Smith said a large crowd had gathered at the scene and many people were concerned emergency services weren't assisting the injured however no-one could make contact with the car until the power company had isolated the line.

"When this had been done the pair were able to be removed from the car, the man suffered leg injuries while the woman has been described as being in a critical but stable condition in Waikato Hospital.

"Road conditions were wet and it appears speed was a factor in the crash. The driver is wanted on active drug warrants and disqualified from driving. He was breaching his bail conditions by being behind the wheel before the crash," he said.