Police have released the name of a Tauranga teenager who died in a fiery crash near Bethlehem on the outskirts of Tauranga last night.
Jordan Evan Crockett, 17, was killed when the car he was driving collided with a four-wheel drive on State Highway 2 about 9.30pm. Both vehicles burst into flames on impact.
Senior Sergeant Ian Campion said police were still investigating the crash, but it appeared speed was a factor.
Mr Crockett had overtaken an associate's car in a passing lane, lost control and crossed the centre line, he said.
The Nissan Skyline he was driving collided with the rear of the four-wheel drive rupturing the fuel tank, which caused both cars to burst into flames.
Another driver and a nearby resident saved Mr Crockett's 16-year-old passenger, pulling him through a window and rolling him in wet grass to put out the flames, he said.
"It was only the quick thinking and unselfish acts of those two men that saved the boy's life, and they are to be commended."
The teenager underwent surgery today and he was still in a serious condition in hospital, Mr Campion said.
All six people in the four wheel drive, from the same Tauranga family, were injured in the crash.
Two women, aged 42 and 47 were still in intensive care, a 45-year-old woman and nine-year-old boy remained in hospital, and two girls, aged 11 and four had been released.
- NZPA
Police name teen who died in fiery crash
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