Friends and family have been left in shock after three young men died when their car crashed into the side of a parked truck and caught fire overnight.
As a result of the collision on Cambridge St in Levin, the car exploded into flames, engulfing the car and the truckat 12.20am and killing the three young men inside.
The father of one of the three has posted a heartbroken tribute on social media, saying: "Missing you heaps already son. Always with me always in my heart. Love you heaps. RIP xx Dad."
The Herald understands two of the young men had been best friends for several years, while the third was the brother of one of the men.
It is not yet known where they were heading or who was driving but the owner of the car has been described as a "really nice guy" who was well-liked at the company where he worked.
The truck involved in the horror crash in Levin. Photo / Ashleigh Collis
Posts were flooding Facebook this morning, with friends of the young men saying they couldn't believe they were gone.
"I only just heard the news and I'm devastated," wrote one friend.
"You were loved by many brother, we always got along so well and always a good vibe, rest easy man love yah brother hope you're at peace, no more pain and you're in God's hands, meet up again soon."
One friend said he couldn't stop crying every time he thought about what had happened.
"The one person man the one [...] person that doesn't deserve it one bit," he wrote.
"Just writing this is tearing me apart, I can't believe you're gone brother."
A witness, local resident Sandy Cassidy, was first on the scene and said she arrived after being woken by the sound of the car hitting the truck.
Before she could reach the car, the car went up in smoke and the tyres started popping as it caught fire.
"We came out and saw the car stuck underneath the truck," Cassidy told the Herald.
"The whole car exploded. It was devastating."
An eyewitness sent in this image of the horror crash in Levin. Photo / Supplied
The vehicle caught alight after it crashed. Photo / Supplied
All the occupants in the car died after it burst into flames. Photo / Supplied
Three young men died in Levin after the car they were in crashed into a stationary truck and caught fire. Photo/ supplied
Cassidy had not been able to sleep since and said her thoughts were with the deceased's families.
"There was nothing left of the car this morning when they pulled it out."
Police said they were still working to identify the bodies and did not expect to confirm the names of those who died today.
"At this stage we cannot officially confirm who the three victims are", police said.
"This formal identification process will take some time and members of the inquiry team will be assisting. The names of the deceased should be released when all this information is confirmed and police have notified all next of kin."
