“The 14-year-old girl was seriously burned when she braved the flames to rescue her 6-year-old brother from the vehicle,” Clapperton said.
“Her injuries were not thought to be life-threatening.”
The little boy, who had moderate injuries, and his sister, were taken to Gisborne Hospital by road ambulance.
A third person was taken by private vehicle to hospital.
Police said that section of the highway was closed overnight and reopened again Monday, as they began an investigation.
Detective Sergeant Tim Somerton said it was too early to comment on the circumstances of the crash.
He confirmed the bike rider was from Gisborne, in his early 20s.
“We are looking for dash camera footage related to the crash that motorists in that area on Sunday night may have,” Somerton said.
SH35 reopened at 1am, according to NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi.
It was Tairāwhiti’s second fatal road crash in just over a week.
Two young men died in a crash on Tucker Rd at Makauri, on April 11.
“We are still waiting for the Coroner to release the names of the young men who died,” Somerton said.
“The two injured youths flown to Waikato Hospital a week ago remained there on Monday in stable condition.”
