Police are using DNA tests in a bid to formally identify two people killed when a petrol tanker and timber truck collided in Waikato early yesterday.
The accident happened on a notorious accident blackspot on State Highway 2 south of Maramarua, near the Red Fox Tavern, at about 5.45am.
The road was reopened about 7pm.
An autopsy for the pair would take place today, Sergeant Blair Donaldson of Huntly police told NZPA today.
"We are having to get the victims' families to supply DNA samples for us to compare.
"We are not sure how long that might take, but it could be a while."
Mr Donaldson said police and emergency staff faced a disturbing scene when they arrived at the accident. Cranes had been used to shift the burnt vehicles from the road.
Police were yet to determine what had caused the accident, but investigations were continuing.
Police spokeswoman Kris McGehan yesterday likened the scene to "a bomb site".
"There is lots of scorched earth... the paddock down the side of the road is burned to a crisp."
She said it appeared the northbound truck carrying timber had locked up on a bend, and was lying on its side.
The southbound petrol tanker, carrying 24,000 litres of Mobil product, apparently clipped the timber truck while taking evasive action and ended up down a small bank.
Environment Waikato officials were at the crash scene most of yesterday, monitoring possible air pollution and contamination of soil and water.
Transit New Zealand said roading engineers were already investigating the section of road, which saw 19 crashes between 1997 and 2002.
Changes to the road should be in place by 2007.
Meanwhile, repairs on the road were likely to start immediately.
- NZPA
Police need DNA to identify road accident victims
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.