Man killed in eastern Bay of Plenty crash

A man died when the car he was a passenger in slammed into and uprooted a tree in the eastern Bay of Plenty on Wednesday.

The man died and three others were seriously injured in the accident at Waiohau, south of Whakatane, about 8pm .

The 28-year-old male driver suffered serious head and leg injuries, a 20-year-old woman had serious arm injuries and a 17-year-old woman suffered serious abdominal and back injuries. All were taken to Whakatane Hospital.

Whakatane police Sergeant Roger Bruys said it appeared the car failed to take a moderate bend as it travelled south down a steep hill and left the road before hitting the large pine tree.

The road was reduced to one lane for about three hours while emergency services were at the scene. Mr Bruys said inquiries were continuing. The man's name was not being released yet.

- DAILY POST (ROTORUA)