Brothers killed in fatal crash named

Police have named two brothers who died when their car hit a tree in eastern Bay of Plenty last week.

Tukarere Te Awa Wiremu, 20, was driving the car when it failed to take a sweeping left hand bend, crossed the centre line and hit the tree on Reid Rd near the township of Taneatua, 13km south of Whakatane, before 11.45pm on Thursday.

He and his 21-year-old brother, Kaurinui Alziwa Sebo Wiremu, who was travelling in the backseat of the car, died at the scene.

Sergeant Ray Wylie of Whakatane police said alcohol and speed contributed to the crash.

"While this crash was a tragedy, it was avoidable. Attitudes to drinking and driving in the eastern Bay of Plenty need to change."

- NZPA