An allegedly intoxicated driver was speeding away from NSW Police shortly before his car collided head-on with another vehicle, killing its driver.
Police say they began pursuing a black Holden Commodore on the Monaro Highway north of Michelago about 10.30am on Thursday after the driver allegedly refused to stop and sped off.
Officers subsequently stopped chasing due to safety concerns.
The Commodore then collided head-on with a white van travelling on the other side of the road.
The driver of the van, a man believed to be in his 50s, died at the scene after becoming trapped in the wreckage.
The 48-year-old man driving the Commodore that allegedly sped away from police was airlifted to Canberra Hospital but his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
The man allegedly returned a positive result from a roadside breath test but is yet to be charged.
A woman travelling in the Commodore with him was also treated for minor injuries.
Police are now investigating the crash and the circumstances surrounding it, which will then be subject to an independent review.
Australian Associated Press