Two killed in Central North Island crash

Two people are dead and another two from the same extended family are injured after a crash in the central North Island today.

The crash happened about 6.45am on State Highway 4 at Owhango, about 20km south of Taumarunui.

Sergeant Lance Bright of Taumarunui said the car had left the road and hit a stand of pine trees.

The driver and front seat passenger died at the scene while one of the passengers has serious injuries and was taken by helicopter to Waikato Hospital.

The other passenger had less serious injuries and was taken to Taumarunui.

Mr Bright said all four people were members of the same extended family and other members were travelling from Auckland to identify the dead.

Their names were likely to be released later today.

SH4 was closed while crash investigators conducted a scene examination but Mr Bright said the cause of the accident had not yet been determined.

"There was rain but I don't believe the conditions were that bad at the time."

- NZPA