Driver flees 'severe' crash scene

A car driver was the subject of a police hunt after driving from the scene of a "severe" crash in Palmerston North.

Sergeant Paul Adrian said the car was driven off after a collision with a white Toyota Hilux at the Ferguson St and Victoria Ave roundabout at 9.30 last night.

The Hilux was spun around with the force of the impact and came to a stop next to a tree on the side of the road.

The male driver was ‘‘very lucky’’ to be unhurt and the Hilux had only severe panel damage, Mr Adrian said.

Witness Greg Sawyer said he watched as the car driver ‘‘zipped across the roundabout like a bolt of lightning’’.

‘‘There was a big bang, and he just caught him on the rear and [the ute driver] spun right around.’’

The driver of the second vehicle, a Honda CRV, was identified and located a short time later, having panicked and left the scene.

Investigations were continuing.

- © Fairfax NZ News