Tributes flow for talented Tokoroa basketballer who died in fiery crash

Friends of a man killed in a fiery crash north of Taupō are sharing their shock at his loss on social media.

Kingi Jo Wiremu Vartiainen Veens, who finished at Tokoroa High School last year, died in the crash on State Highway 1 at Atiamuri about 2.30am on Tuesday.

The car was left a charred wreck after it caught fire shortly after colliding with a truck near the Bull Ring Cafe.

His parents Marsh and Elia announced his service will be held at Tokoroa High School hall on Saturday, November 17 at 11am.

"With broken hearts we announce the loss of our much loved and treasured son Kingi-Jo Wiremu Vartiainen Veens," family posted on a Tokoroa Facebook page.

"Marsh, Eila and Whanau would like to invite all to attend and share their memories and love of our son. Nau mai haere mai whanau."

Last year Veens posted on his own page at how happy he was to win Most Valuable Player for his school's basketball team last year.

Along with a photo of his trophy, voucher and basketball, he wrote "Hardwork dose [sic] pay off coming for that 3pt title".

His grieving family declined to comment yesterday but friends have paid tribute to their mate on social media.

The crash scene on SH1 at Atiamuri which claimed the life of 18-year-old Kingi-Jo Veens. Photo / File

One wrote: "I'm lost for words as I reminisce to the days we captured these moments knowing that I will never get these precious moments again. I cried, this morning it would've been around the same time of your accident... I felt you weren't okay, my heart heard your cry, it was so damn heavy and you should've been here with me!! but I didn't know anything.. until I got home from work."

Another posted: "my heart breaks for you bro! Rest in eternal love Kingi jo, My thoughts and aroha go out to your whanau."

And another said: "Rest easy Kingi. Will do our things when we see each other again until now rip up some massive clouds myg."

Police yesterday said they were still investigating the circumstances of the crash and how Veen's vehicle ended up beneath the front of the Halls Refrigeration truck and trailer unit.

The truck driver managed to escape the cab before it caught fire.

Police are investigating the circumstances of the crash.

Veens death pushed the country's road toll up to 324 compared to 325 at the same time last year.

National road policing manager Superintendent Steve Greally said the rising road toll was "very, very frustrating".

Last year the country posted its highest number of deaths - 380 - on the roads since the record peak in 2009 of 384.

With just weeks till the festive season is here and more deaths likely, Greally urged people to look out for each other on the roads.

Greally said he and his staff felt for all the families who had lost a loved one the road so far this year.

"I can't understand how hard that must be."