The Ataris Start Gofundme Campaign After Tour Van Totalled In 'High Speed Chase'

US band The Ataris have launched a Gofundme campaign to replace their tour van after it was totalled during a police pursuit. 

As NBC Los Angeles reports, singer Kris Roe was driving the van when a sports car, being chased by several police cars, drove into incoming traffic and hit it head on. 

"He was travelling with such force that the center engine console detached and shot forward into the van ramming into my leg making my leg black and blue," Roe wrote on the Gofundme page.

"I feel lucky to be alive."

Roe's French bulldog was also in the van at the time of the crash, however they and all involved in the crash were not seriously injured. 

The frontman added that the person being chased by police was driving in a "supposedly stolen car".

Roe's statement continues, "I never in a million years planned on doing one of these GoFundMe pages but after waking up today with all of the realities of last night now sinking in I am humbly asking for your help so we that we may repurchase the same used Ford E-350 van and get back on the road."

Since launching the campaign five hours ago, over $2,000 has been raised with a target of $7,500. 

To donate, click here.

The Ataris last toured Australia in June 2016.