The dramatic sequence of events unfolded late last night when Liverpool police spotted a Ford Ranger speeding and ignoring a red light on Elizabeth Drive around 11 p.m.
Upon investigation, authorities discovered that the vehicle had been reported stolen from the Liverpool area on December 9.
Officers initiated a pursuit as the driver refused to pull over, but the chase was promptly halted due to safety concerns.
However, police maintained surveillance of the vehicle and later resumed the pursuit, which ended in a collision.
The stolen ute reportedly ran another red light, crashing into a BMW sedan and a Toyota Yaris hatchback at the intersection of the Hume Highway and Moore Street.
In the aftermath, a 21-year-old woman, who was a passenger in the BMW, received immediate medical attention at the scene. She was then transported to Liverpool Hospital with life-threatening injuries.
The driver of the BMW, also a 21-year-old female, and another female passenger in the car were also treated at the scene and taken to Liverpool hospital with serious injuries.
The driver of the Toyota was checked at the scene as a precaution and has been released.
A 17-year-old boy, the alleged driver of the stolen ute, has been taken to Fairfield Hospital as a precaution and is expected to be taken to Liverpool Police Station once released.
A critical incident has been declared, with an independent review to be conducted into the circumstances regarding the police chase.
