Te Araroa and Tikitiki firefighters responded, along with police. St John Ambulance from Ruatoria was also called out.
St John Ambulance officers pronounced the victims dead at the scene.
UPDATE 11:15AM#SH35 remains CLOSED due to a serious crash south of Tokata Rd. Please continue to avoid the area or delay your journey if possible, as there is no suitable detour available. ^EW https://t.co/A7r51eRJf4
— Waka Kotahi NZTA Central North Island (@WakaKotahiCNI) November 15, 2020
The state highway was blocked immediately after the crash and remained closed to all traffic for some hours.