A scene examination continues after the crash on Ulster St in Hamilton early on Sunday morning. Photo / Hayden Woodward
A scene examination continues after the crash on Ulster St in Hamilton early on Sunday morning. Photo / Hayden Woodward
Police have praised the heroic efforts and bravery of its officers who rescued victims from a fiery vehicle wreck in Hamilton after a car smashed into a truck.
Six people were injured in the crash on Ulster St in Hamilton on Sunday morning, which killed Kerihaehae (known as Rangimarie) Nepeand her partner Charlie Russell, both 19.
“This crash could have resulted in four fatalities, and it took a real team effort from those involved to help prevent that happening,” police said today.
Police are now investigating the crash and the speed the vehicle was travelling before impact is a key area of focus.
They have been speaking to witnesses, collecting CCTV, as well as the Serious Crash Investigation Unit examining the scene.
“Investigations are still under way as to whether other factors were involved, such as alcohol, the road conditions, and the role of the heavy vehicle.”
Nepe’s dad, Melvin Te Wake, earlier made a heartfelt tribute to his “firstborn” on Facebook.
“My big girl, my number one, my honeygirl. I don’t even know what to say or how to feel. This is not fair. I f***en love you. I’m gonna miss you baby. I already do. Rest in love my honeygirl,” he wrote.
Russell also posted a photo of the couple, asking them to “look after each other up there”.
Another family member wrote: “Kia ora whānau, unfortunately our niece and her boyfriend were the two fatalities at the scene on the weekend.”
Another wrote: “Morning my beautiful cousin. Still trying [to] wrap my head around all this. [I] was up all night with you on my mind. It just don’t feel real my cous and I don’t know what to say or feel. I love you my beautiful cousin.”
Two people died after a crash in Hamilton early Sunday morning and six people were injured. Photo / Hayden Woodward
Nepe and Russell were killed at the scene and six others were transported to Waikato Hospital - two were moderately injured, two had minor injuries and two remain in intensive care fighting for their lives.
The two people critically injured were pulled from the burning car by three police officers. The officers, who are being praised for their heroic and quick actions, suffered smoke inhalation.
Ben Harper was on his way home when he came across the crash moments after it happened.
“The car was flying down the road well above the speed limit and crashed into the side of the truck, almost directly into the diesel tank, causing it to catch fire,” he said.
“When I got there the car was on fire and quite a few people around the car [were] trying to extinguish the flames and save whoever was alive.”
He said one person was trapped in the car.
Police said they were not following or pursuing the vehicle before the crash. A unit was already on patrol in the vicinity at the time and was able to respond instantly.
Caitlan Johnston is a breaking news reporter based in Waikato. She joined the Herald in 2022.
