An investigation is continuing into a crash on SH1 between Lichfield and Tokoroa which claimed the lives of three people earlier today.
At approximately 3.45pm a small saloon car travelling north appears to have crossed the centreline colliding with a logging truck travelling south. It is yet to be established what caused the car to cross the centreline.
The female driver of the car and two rear passengers (one male and one female) died at the scene. The male front seat passenger was critically injured and airlifted to Waikato Hospital.
The initial scene examination has also shown that the rear passengers in the car were not wearing seatbelts.
The truck driver was shaken but not injured.
Police are able to confirm that the people in the car were foreign nationals but no further details, including nationality, will be released until next of kin have been notified.
Police are working to re-open the road as soon as possible.
No further information will be available tonight.