Police release names of deceased in SH2 crash

Police have released the names of the two young men who died in a crash in the Bay of Plenty yesterday.

They were Chance Whittaker-Ngaropo, 16, of Auckland and Te Hira Whittaker-Ngaropo, 12 of Auckland.

The pair died after a crash on State Highway 2 in Pikowai yesterday morning.

It is understood that 16-year-old Chance was driving the vehicle which was travelling towards Whakatane when it left the road on a straight, and hit trees.

He was stabilised at the scene before being flown to Waikato Hospital in a critical condition for further treatment by the Trustpower TECT Rescue Helicopter.

It is understood Te Hira was sitting in the back of the car and died at the scene.

A third passenger received injuries that were not serious.