Double fatal Hamilton crash: 15-year-old victims named

Two 15-year-olds have been killed in a double fatal crash involving a truck in Hamilton.

A truck and a car carrying four people collided on Wairere Drive near Pukete on Monday afternoon.

Police have named the victims as Jrusc Wilson and Reef Gurnick.

At the time, an occupant of the car died at the scene, and three others were rushed to Waikato Hospital with serious injuries.

Police earlier confirmed a second person had died in hospital the following day.

Two people remain in hospital in a serious condition.

Police said they are continuing to investigate the crash, and the deaths have been referred to the coroner.

Police were unable to provide further information at this time.

Reef Connor Gurnick has been remembered by his family after he died in a crash between a car and a truck in Hamilton. Photo / Facebook

‘Massive loss’

A tribute to one of the victims, Reef Connor Gurnick, was shared by his family on social media.

“It is with heavy hearts that we let you all know that our younger brother, son, grandson, uncle passed away unexpectedly,” family wrote.

The tribute said that the boy’s whanau were trying to process the “massive loss”.

In an update, the family shared that a pōwhiri was set to be held tomorrow morning at Matai Whetu Marae.

Family members have been approached for further comment.

The serious crash closed Hamilton's Pukete Bridge. Photo / Google Maps

A person driving past the crash, who wished to remain anonymous, told the Waikato Herald it was a “very scary scene”.

“There was a vehicle stuck under the left-hand side wheel [of the truck],” they said.

“The whole front of the vehicle was crushed. There were four [people] laying on the ground.”

Inspector Scott Miller said police had extended their condolences to the families of all those involved.

“We would also like to thank the members of the public who came to the aid of those who were injured and assisted at the scene.”

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