Driver charged over crash that killed three

The 21-year-old driver of a car that plunged off a Hamilton bridge in February killing three young female passengers has been charged with manslaughter.

Whiti Hepi was driving the car when it crashed though the Cobham Bridge and into Waikato River early on February 12, killing Hayley Forbes, 16, her 14-year old niece Kristen Kara Armstrong, and their friend Sandra Hinemerurangi Victoria Tungia, 16.

Hepi and a 19-year-old male passenger survived.

Police today announced Hepi had been charged with three counts of manslaughter and would appear in Hamilton District Court today.

"Police can make no further comment on the charges or the case as it is now subjudice and before the courts," they said in a statement.

- NZPA