Seven other people from the smash remain in hospital this morning, including a 42-year-old man in Intensive Care Unit at Waikato Hospital and a 66-year-old woman and 17-year-old girl in Rotorua Hospital, all in a critical condition.
A duty manager at Rotorua Hospital said a 41-year-old woman remained in a moderate condition and two girls, aged 2 and 3 years, were being treated for minor injuries.
A 32-year-old woman was stable in a ward at Hamilton Hospital with chest and abdominal injuries.
A fifth woman, 42, was taken to Rotorua Hospital but not admitted.
The crash, which happened at the intersection of State Highway 1 and Tutukau Rd about 3.15pm, is being described as one of the worst in 20 years.
Police said the horrific crash was "absolutely devastating" and were now piecing together why the vehicles collided head-on.
"Police extend their sympathies to the loved ones of all of those involved," said Acting Bay of Plenty road policing manager Sergeant Nicky Cooney.
"The investigation is in the very early stages but what is clear is that the vehicles have impacted head-on.
"It will take some time for the SCU to establish more facts.
"At the moment our priority is ensuring support is provided to those who need it following this tragedy.
A truck driver who drove past the crash said the scene was "a total mess" and the vehicles were covered to hide the bodies of the deceased.
The fatal smashhappened in wet conditions near the end of passing lanes.
vehicle was carrying eight passengers.
The smash obliterated the vehicles and scattered luggage across the road, including a child's small pink backpack.
Since Friday, 13 people have died on the roads. The year's road toll now stands at 296, up 44 on the same time last year.
