Police have acknowledged the heroic actions of witnesses who helped after a fatal two-car crash near Paparoa yesterday afternoon.
One person died at the scene, and two were flown to hospital with serious and moderate injuries.
Senior Sergeant Josh Fagan acknowledged the "heroic actions" of those people who were first on the scene and tried to put out the fire that engulfed the vehicle and to pull the people out of the car.
"We understand that this was terrible situation to deal with and anyone who wishes to speak to someone in confidence about this ordeal can contact Whangarei Police," he said.