Police are describing a fatal crash in a rural area near Taupo last night as an absolutely avoidable tragedy.
A vehicle with three occupants lost control on Tirohanga Road around 10.50pm last night and hit a tree.
Those killed in the crash were the driver, 16-year-old Thor Tamanui Sullivan and his brother, 18-year-old Hape Raroa Sullivan. The third person in the car, a 14-year-old female , remains in a moderate to serious condition in Rotorua Hospital.
Police investigations into the cause of the crash are underway and Bay of Plenty Road Policing Manager Inspector Brent Crowe is urging drivers to take more care, especially on rural roads and highways.
“While the full circumstances of last night’s crash are yet to be determined I can say that all too often Police are attending serious crashes that are avoidable. Factors such as fatigue, alcohol, speed, young drivers and rural roads are all being considered in this case and often combine with tragic and ongoing outcomes,” said Inspector Crowe
Police have extended their sympathies to the friends and family of the victims at this very sad time.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre