UPDATE: Atiamuri crash

Police can now confirm eight people died in this morning’s crash on Ohakuri Road.   Two vehicles were involved the crash – an SUV and a van.   The driver of the SUV (the sole occupant of that vehicle), and the driver and six passengers in the van were killed.    One passenger in the van, a child, was critically injured and was air-lifted to Waikato Hospital.   The road has now re-opened. Police thank motorists for their patience and cooperation as emergency services worked at the crash scene.   ENDS   Issued by Police Media Centre.