A young driver died and two passengers were seriously injured after the car they were in crashed into a truck and caught fire near Rotorua.

“Courageous” members of the public and police used about 18 extinguishers to put out the fire and save the trapped passengers, police said.

Police received multiple calls on Tuesday about 4.30pm, reporting that the driver of a silver Lexus was driving dangerously on SH1 south from Cambridge, police said in a statement to NZME.

Police said the car was seen cutting off multiple vehicles and travelling at speeds of more than 80km/h above the legal limit.

Bay of Plenty road policing manager Inspector Phil Gillbanks said police saw the car near Tīrau and recognised it as a vehicle of interest following an aggravated robbery in Tauranga on Monday.

“The manner of driving has been erratic and posed a significant risk to other road users.

“The vehicle’s movements were relayed to nearby units, allowing them to take positions ahead of the vehicle and prepare to deploy road spikes.”

The vehicle was spiked on Oturoa Rd, near SH36 and again on Hamurana Rd about 5.30pm.

Gillbanks said police found the Lexus had crashed into a truck and caught fire on SH36.

He said the driver died and the two young passengers were trapped and seriously hurt.

“Members of the public and officers put themselves at significant risk to put the flames out and protect the car’s occupants from the fire.

“People ran to the scene with extinguishers, and about 18 were used to put the fire out.

“Their actions were courageous and saved lives of the trapped passengers.”

Gillbanks said the truck driver sustained minor injuries and was treated at the scene by ambulance staff.

Several officers were also treated for minor burns and smoke inhalation.

Gillbanks said a critical incident investigation had started, and the Independent Police Conduct Authority had been notified.

The Serious Crash Unit finished a scene examination last night, and the road reopened about midnight.

Police were also asking for dashcam or CCTV footage of the incident.

“We are seeking any CCTV or dashcam video of a silver Lexus sedan, carrying the registration DZS7, on State Highway 1 and State Highway 5, between 4pm and 5.30pm,” Gillbanks said.

“If you have video of this vehicle, please let us know.”

Anyone with information is asked to make a report online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update report”, or by calling 105, use the reference number 260113/9655.

Alternatively, information could be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.