Teen driver had been drinking, say police

Two men were catapulted from the van into the river where their bodies were found. Photo / NZPA

The teenage girl driver of a van involved in a horror double fatal smash in Hawke's Bay early today had been drinking alcohol, say police.

The van's seven occupants, all aged between 16 and 19, had been to a party before the crash, said eastern road policing manager Inspector Chris Wallace.

The Ford Econovan was seen being driven erratically before it crossed the centreline and smashed head-on into an oncoming car a bridge on State Highway 50 near Taradale about 2am.

Two men, aged 17 and 19, both from the Hastings area, and a young woman were catapulted out of the van over the bridge into the Tutaekuri River 15m below.

The young men were found dead in the shallow waters while the woman was found on the riverbank with serious injuries.

A total of seven people were taken to Hawke's Bay Hospital.

A spokeswoman said that two, the 16-year-old female van driver and an 18-year-old male have since been discharged.

An 18-year-old male passenger in the van is in a critical condition in the intensive care unit.

A 17-year-old female and a 17-year-old male are in a serious condition, and an 18-year-old male and a 17-year-old female are in a stable condition.

The 16-year-old driver had been drinking, Mr Wallace said.

"This is a classic example of how youth, alcohol and driving make a lethal combination.

"This crash was avoidable and the result is that two young lives have been lost and several others are seriously injured. It's a tragedy that need not have happened."

SH50 remains closed, with diversions in place at the Meeanee and Pakowhai interchanges.

The Serious Crash Unit is investigating.

- NZPA