This is an update in relation to the fatal crash on SH1 Desert Road at around 7am on Monday 18 July. Please attribute to Senior Sergeant Fane Troy, Taupo Police:
A car travelling north appears to have crossed the centre line and gone into the path of a truck travelling south.
The truck driver is very shaken but does not have any injuries. Unfortunately, three passengers in the car have died and the driver has been taken to hospital in a critical condition.
The serious crash unit is still at the scene investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Conditions are treacherous with patches of ice on the road. When emergency services arrived on the scene it was very cold with snowing falling.
The Desert Road is notorious for changing conditions and drivers should take extreme caution in the area. You can have great weather on one side of the hill and on the other side you can have ice and snow.
We ask drivers to please drive slowly, extend following distances, be patient and allow extra time for your journeys. It is expected that the road will remain partially closed for up to an hour.
Witnesses or anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre