Dozens injured as motorist deliberatly drives into people
Screams filled the air when a car swerved into dozens of people, sending bodies flying, at an out-of-control party in suburban Christchurch last night.
Ten people were taken to Christchurch Hospital, three suffering critical injuries, after the incident about 10.30pm on Edgeware Road.
Hundred of teenagers - some just 13 - and young adults descended on the party thanks to text messages encouraging people to attend.
Police, some wearing riot gear, were preparing to close the party down when the incident happened.
Bystanders say hundreds of partygoers had swelled out onto the road.
Witnesses said a fight started on the street just before one of those involved allegedly jumped into a red three-door Honda Integra and drove it into a large group at speeds of up to 80kmh.
One partygoer, John, said he narrowly missed being hit by the car.
"I saw one of the people hit. They had blood coming out everywhere. They were just on the road moaning. I can't believe it. It was absolutely dreadful. It was like they were split open
"People were running and screaming all over the place. There was a girl on the road who looked terrible," he said.
Amos Meates, 18, said he saw the car speed through partygoers.
He knew the party was going to get out of control because he had received "15 or 20" text messages about it during the week.
"It was chocker. I reckon there were 300 to 500 people there.
He said there were a couple of hundred people on the road when a fight broke out. "A guy jumped back into his car - a red Honda Integra - really angry, revved the engine and took off, and ploughed through the people," Meates said.
"He came straight at me - he just floored it - swerved up on the other side of the road. I was just like, `oh no, no way'.
"I saw six people flying through the air, people calling out. I saw a chick going bouncing from one side to the other, stretched out on the street. I was yelling, `we need help'," Meates said.
Motorist Clayton Jamison had pulled over to the side of the road when he saw the large group pf partygoers in front of him.
He said the Honda driver purposely swerved onto the wrong side of the road to hit the group.
"I saw four people go over the roof of the car. He was probably doing about 70kmh.
"People just started running this way (toward Jamison)."
The Honda driver sped away without stopping.
Partygoer Jess said she could not believe what was happening.
"It sounded like a gun (the car hitting people). It sounds like someone getting shot. It is the kind of thing that screws young people up for life."
Another eyewitness said:
"It was like something was thrown in the air, but it was a person. There was blood running in the gutters," he said.
Early this morning stunned, weeping and angry teenagers, and shocked parents, filled Christchurch Hospital's emergency department to await news of the injured.
One person, waiting at the hospital, who dove out of the car's path, said she felt lucky to be alive.
"I only just saw him coming. There was nothing those people could do. They were sent flying by the car," she said.
A police cordon was in place at the scene overnight. Police told The Press they were pelted with stones and other debris as the tried to get to the injured.
Inspector Derek Erasmus, of the Christchurch police, declined to say if officers had identified the driver of the car.
Officers had a lot of witnesses to speak to and he encouraged anyone with information to come forward
Stupid prick, I hope he gets his due
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Originally Posted by Gubb
large STEEL pipe
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