Edgecumbe crash victims named

Two people died when the car they were in hit a tree in Edgecumbe last night. Photo/Lani Hepi

Police have named the two young people killed in a crash at Edgecumbe last night as Kane Jamie Te Riini and Cyrus Aidan Brady, known as Aidan.

The Subaru they were in collided with a tree on the passenger's side of the vehicle after it failed to take a bend on Main St in the Bay of Plenty town.

Police said initial inquiries suggested speed and not wearing seatbelts contributed to the crash.

The driver was 19-year-old Mr Te Riini, of Edgecumbe, and Mr Brady, 25 of Matata, was in the passenger seat.

Police said the car failed to take a bend and skidded across two lanes before hitting a tree about 11pm.

The passenger's side bore the brunt of the impact with the centre pillar shunted into the car.

Firefighters had to use the jaws of life to cut both victims out.

Sergeant Ray Wylie said initial inquiries suggested speed, not wearing seatbelts and a breach of licence were factors in the crash.

The speed limit on the street is 50km/h.

"Further analysis is required to determine whether alcohol is a factor," Mr Wylie said.

A person at the scene, who did not want to give his name, said he had been told both the driver and passenger had been socialising at a house nearby.

News of the fatality spread quickly, with relatives and friends gathering at the scene soon after emergency services arrived.

Many sobbed and comforted each other as police continued with the scene examination.

Police said the cause of the crash was under investigation and the matter had been referred to the coroner.

Police have appealed for information from anyone who saw the white Subaru on Main St immediately prior to the crash.

Anyone with information should call Edgecumbe Police on 07 304 9004 or Whakatane Police on 07 308 5255.