Emergency services offered counselling after 'horrific scene'

Emergency services staff are being offered counselling after dealing with a "horrific " two-vehicle smash south of Auckland last night.

The horror crash near Tuakau killed four people and left a fifth person in Auckland's Middlemore Hospital in a critical but stable condition.

He was still not well enough to speak to police.

One of the two cars burst into flames, burning some occupants beyond recognition.

It was not even possible to tell if the victims were male or female, police said today.

Two adults and a child aged about six died in one car, and the other dead person was found on the side of the road.

Acting area commander Inspector Gary Hill today acknowledged the work of emergency services and Pukekohe Police.

"It was an horrific scene, and it was not an easy task for them."

The crash had had a dramatic affect on the local community, Mr Hill said.

"A number of the staff who attended are members of the local community so it's had a deep impact on them."

Experienced staff had told Mr Hill it was one of the most horrific crashes they had attended.

The serious crash unit was investigating.

The accident happened about 9.20pm when the driver of a Ford Falcon overtook another car, lost control taking a right-hand corner, and hit a Mitsubishi Diamante travelling in the opposite direction.

Two of the occupants of the Ford were flung from the vehicle on impact. The disaster identification team were also called to the scene last night.

Police said the road has a 100km/h speed limit, with a 65km/h limit on the corner. The weather conditions were wet and it may have been raining at the time.

It was too early to determine if speed was an issue, but he said people needed to drive in a safe manner, and at a safe speed, Mr Hill said.

The Franklin area was notorious for accidents, and Counties Manukau police usually deployed 75 per cent of their resources to that area.

No details of the dead were available, but Mr Hill said he hoped to release their names by early tomorrow.

Post mortems were being carried out this afternoon.

Pukekohe police were still trying to locate and advise next of kin.

- NZPA