Taupo fatal crash victims named

Photo / File

Two people killed when they were thrown from a four-wheel-drive in a fiery crash early this morning have been named.

Driver Wi Hurinui, 52, of Havelock North, and passenger Paul Ngaroimata Kenrick, 57, of Hastings, died in the single-vehicle crash on State Highway 5 at Rangitaiki, south of Taupo, about 2.20am.

The Taupo-bound vehicle left the road and rolled before landing on its roof and catching fire.

Taupo road policing head Senior Sergeant Fane Troy said the two people were killed when they were thrown from the car.

Another two passengers were trapped and had to be rescued from the burning vehicle by a fifth occupant.

When fire officers arrived the vehicle was "totally involved in fire", a communications spokesman said.

A number of truck drivers stopped to help out and police would like to speak with all of them.

The three injured people were transported to hospital with minor injuries.

Mr Troy said fatigue appeared to have been a factor in the crash.

"Drivers and passengers need to make sure that when travelling long distances regular breaks are taken."

Road and weather conditions were fine on the 100km/h limit stretch of highway.