With just five hours to go before a fatal free month of July Waikato emergency services now have to pick up the pieces from a double fatality crash scene in the small town of Kihikihi.
Waikato Road Policing Manager, Inspector Leo Tooman, said it was too early to say for certain what caused the crash at the intersection of Arapuni Rd and Rolleston St about 7pm but initial indications are the driver of one car involved may have failed to stop or give way.
"Emergency services are still at the scene and at this stage it appears a car with single male occupant has been heading west on Arapuni Rd when a white car with four people aboard failed to stop and come out of Rolleston, colliding with the other vehicle.
"The occupants of the white car were thrown from their vehicle when it rolled while the driver of the other car had to be freed by responding Te Awamutu fire-fighters."
Mr Tooman said two of the white car's male occupants died at the scene while two other men were taken to Waikato Hospital in a status two condition.
The driver of the other vehicle was also taken to Waikato Hospital by ambulance in a status two condition.
Tonight's crash brings the Waikato District's road toll to 29 and meant the region's hopes of a fatal free month were dashed.
"Historically over winter months drivers in the Waikato are more cautious and it's very disappointing given the resources and media intensive road safety campaigns that the month has to end so tragically.
"While it's still to early to determine the definite cause of the crash we're asking for people to drive to the conditions, that's not just climatic but includes watching your speed and sticking to the road rules by giving way, buckling in and not driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol."
The Waikato Serious Crash Unit is investigating the cause of the crash and the deaths have been referred to the Coroner.
End