Teen dies in crash east of Auckland

Another fatal road accident involving teenagers has prompted a grim warning from police for drivers to slow down when driving.

A 16-year-old girl died instantly late last night when the teenage female driver of an overloaded four-wheel-drive vehicle lost control on a bend, hit a light pole and rolled down a bank near Maraetai, east of Auckland.

The vehicle was carrying eight people and the teen died instantly.

The seven other occupants of the Toyota Hilux vehicle were all hurt, two of them with moderate injuries. The dead girl's name had yet to be released. She was from Manurewa, south of Auckland.

The fatal crash meant at least eight families would now have a grim Christmas, and the driver especially would, Constable Steve Shaskey from the Counties Manukau serious crash unit said.

While it was too soon to say if the driver had been drinking, speed and alcohol may have been a factor, bad weather may also have contributed.

The vehicle was overloaded and it was not yet known who was wearing seatbelts.

Firefighters were lowered to the vehicle and secured it before extracting the dead girl and the others.

Mr Shaskey said it was lucky more were not killed or badly hurt.

"At this time of year coming up to Christmas, as everyone is out with the friends and family having a good time, just remember to keep your speeds down, don't drink and drive, and drive to conditions."

Police had yet to decide if the driver would be charged.

- NZPA