BOTH NORTHBOUND lanes of the Pacific Motorway are now open following a dramatic police chase where a vehicle caught on fire after travelling 45 kilometres on only one tyre.
Police deployed two lots of road spikes that punctured three of the car’s tyres. The car was able to evade police for another 45 kilometres travelling with only one tyre.
Police said that the pursuit began around 10.50am near Ballina where a Ford Falcon allegedly failed to stop for a roadside breath test.
A pursuit commenced, however, it was terminated due to safety concerns.
Police again observed the vehicle at Wardell around 12.30pm and attempted to stop the vehicle and when it failed to stop, another pursuit commenced.
The pursuit ended about 1.15pm, when the car stopped on the Pacific Highway at Crabbes Creek.
A short time after the pursuit ended, the car caught alight. Onlookers reported the vehicle police were pursuing as “being on fire” while police attempted to stop the vehicle.
The driver, a 20-year-old man and his passenger, a 14-year-old girl were arrested at the scene and were taken to the Byron Bay Police Station where they are assisting police with their inquiries.