Police name driver of car in horror smash

Police have revealed that Che Orbell-Pere was driving the car that crashed in Hastings last Friday night, killing the 17-year-old and three of his friends.

Hastings police said today that Mr Orbell-Pere had not consumed alcohol before the accident.

The souped-up 1990 Mazda Familia slammed into a tree on Windsor Ave about 11pm after Mr Orbell-Pere apparently lost control after a high-speed passing manoeuvre.

Mr Orbell-Pere, Dylan Brittin, 16, Alex Scales, 15, and Michael Jeffries, 17, died at the scene. Two other teens -- the car's owner, Ricky Moulder, 16, and 15-year-old Jaydden Brittin - were seriously injured.

They both remain in a serious but stable condition.

Police believe the car was travelling at 120km/h at the time of the crash.

None of the boys was wearing a seatbelt.

- NZPA