Four dead after crash

Police are trying to identify the four people killed in a road crash in the central North Island.

They died as their vehicle hit a logging truck on State Highway Four last night - a fifth person from the car is seriously ill in hospital.

Inspector Steve Mastrovich says they're certain the group are from South America, but they're still trying to find out which exact countries they're from.

"They were tourists I'm not sure how long they've been in the country for or how long they were intending to stay but they were here as tourists."

Inspector Mastrovich says at this stage they're talking to people in the area who were friends with the men.

Police central communications shift commander Bruce Mackay says because of the nature of the crash the identification process is not going to be a quick one.

Investigations are underway to find out what exactly happened - but the car may have been trying to overtake.

"Conditions up there were apparently calm, no problems with the road, no problems with the weather, so that doesn't appear to be a factor at this stage."

The road's been re-opened after seven hours of work to clear the scene.

Mr Mackay says such crashes are traumatic for everyone, and there are facilities in place to help all those involved to deal with the aftermath - from the 111 call takers to those at the scene.

"All the staff that deal with it, anyone that puts their hand up or in the likes of this kind of crash there'd be almost a mandatory follow up where they will definitely, definitely be spoken to."

Photo: NZ Herald