Auckland police were twice at the same suburban road last night for separate crashes that killed two people and hospitalised another.
Acting Inspector Terry Lee said one person was found dead at the scene of a 4.16am crash. A second person was taken to hospital with serious injuries but later died.
Lee said what caused the crash is not clear at this stage.
Due to the ongoing investigation, Don Buck Rd has been closed between Gallony Ave and Redhills Rd.
“We understand the road closure will cause disruption and officers are working hard to complete the scene examination as quickly as possible so the road can be reopened,” said Lee.
Earlier on the same road, a Toyota van rolled down a bank into a cluster of trees about 11pm.
According to a photographer at the scene, the sole male occupant received moderate to serious injuries.
Photos of the crash show the van badly dented and windows smashed.
Police said the van was the only car involved and the driver was taken to hospital.
Last night’s crash brings the Christmas-New Year road toll 12, the highest in five years except for last year, when 16 people died on New Zealand roads over the holiday period.