Teen in horror crash 'critical'

A teenager airlifted to Wellington Hospital following a horror double fatal smash in Hawke's Bay on Saturday has deteriorated in hospital.

Ben Morrison, 18, was last night reported to be in critical condition in intensive care after the van he was travelling in crossed the centreline and smashed into a car on a bridge on the outskirts of Napier about 2am on Saturday.

He was previously in serious condition.

Max Harman, 19, and Robert Waikari, 17, both of Hastings, were also in the van and were killed when they were thrown into the Tutaekuri River 15m below.

A young woman who was also thrown into the river survived. She and three other teenagers in the van were taken to Hawke's Bay Hospital.

The car's driver, Napier man Simon Taunt, 18, and his girlfriend Melody Dane, also suffered moderate injuries.

Police confirmed the van's driver Tamoko Christy, 16, had been drinking before the crash.

- NZPA