Four people are dead after a crash near Putorino in northern Hawke's Bay.
Emergency services were alerted around 7.30am today by a passing motorist who saw a vehicle over a bank on Waikare Rd, just off SH2 near Putorino. All four occupants of the Mitsubishi four-wheel drive were dead when police and ambulance staff arrived.
It is not known when the vehicle crashed. It landed in a paddock after going over a bank on a straight stretch of road. Police are currently trying to identify those in the vehicle. They are believed to be locals.
Senior Sergeant Sarah Stewart of Napier said police were keen to talk to anyone who may have seen the crash or seen the blue-grey Mitsubishi Pajero wagon in the northern Hawke's Bay area last night or yesterday. Police do not believe any other vehicles were involved in the crash.
"We are yet to establish when or how the crash occurred, so any information about the vehicle will be important for the crash investigation," Ms Stewart said.
Anyone with information about the vehicle should contact Napier police on 06 8310700.
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Media inquiries to Eastern District Communications Manager Kris McGehan on 027 2223638.