Six from one family die in South Otago smash

Six people who died when their van collided with a 38-tonne meat truck in South Otago yesterday were all from the same Wanganui family travelling to a relative's wedding.

Those killed were George Raniera Tawaroa, his son, David Te Wauriki Tawaroa, David's partner, Jinaya Carlene Olsen, their sons, Zhyon Rawiri Terrance and Jaia Te Ariki, and their daughter, Keani Marie.

The family was believed to be travelling to Invercargill for the weekend wedding.

They were driving south on State Highway 1 between Waipahi and Clinton when the head-on collision with the articulated truck occurred at 7 am.

Sergeant Kevin Lloyd, of Balclutha, said it was the most horrific road accident he had attended in 13 years as a policeman. "This is an absolute tragedy. It's horrendous."

The truck driver received minor cuts and bruises, and was badly shaken.

The South Island general manager of Halls Refrigerated Transport, Brian McKechnie, said the driver had worked for the company for several years and had a good record.

The accident happened on a curve on a hilly stretch of rural highway. Conditions were believed to have been foggy, but the road was reported to be dry.

Thirty emergency services officers were at the scene most of the day, cordoning off the site until the specialist identification team arrived from Dunedin.

- STAFF REPORTER, NZPA