Police are continuing their investigations today into a crash last night north of Wairoa that claimed the lives of four men and left two others seriously injured.
The four men from the Wairoa area died when the car they were in crashed head-on with a 4x4 vehicle on SH2 on the Mohaka Hill, north of Raupunga. The crash occurred around 7.30pm on a 65km/h bend. The male driver of the 4x4 is from Whitianga and is currently in Hawke's Bay Regional Hospital in critical condition.
Police say speed and possibly alcohol were factors in the crash. There were no other vehicles involved.
Senior Sergeant Tony Bates of Wairoa police said the car was travelling up the southern side of the hill when it crossed the centre line into the path of the 4x4 that was towing a boat and travelling north. The two vehicles collided head-on. Three passengers in the back seat were thrown from the car. None were wearing seatbelts and all died at the scene. The driver of the car also died and the front seat passenger is currently in Hawke's Bay Regional Hospital in a serious condition.
Mr Bates said the car was seen driving at high speed immediately prior to the crash. Police are appealing for any witnesses who may have seen either vehicle on the highway last evening.
SH2 was re-opened at 5.45am today. The police Serious Crash Unit is investigating the crash. The names of the deceased will not be released until all family are notified.
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