Dunedin police are amazed no-one was killed during an impromptu car race along Cumberland St which ended with one car crashing into a power pole near the University of Otago.
Senior Sergeant Craig Brown said police estimated the two vehicles were travelling south at 120kmh in a 50kmh speed zone.
The pole, near the intersection of Albany St, was snapped in half.
The 19-year-old female driver and her passengers were not injured in the crash, which happened about 12.15am yesterday, he said.
"It's pretty amazing no-one was killed, given the time it happened outside the university where students were still out walking on the street.
"Any crash where a pole gets broken - they were very lucky."
Alcohol was not thought to be a factor, he said.
The female driver was charged with unauthorised racing, as was the 20-year-old male driver of the second car, who was also charged with dangerous driving.
Both will appear in the Dunedin District Court next week.
A 21-year-old man was also charged with obstruction during the incident, Snr Sgt Brown said.
