Police are hoping a Serious Crash Unit investigation will shed some light on the cause of a crash near Taupo yesterday which killed four people.
A five-year-old was among four killed in the head-on smash, which happened about 3.30pm yesterday at the intersection of SH1 and Tutukau Rd, Oruanui, about 20km from Taupo.
Police have this morning confirmed a five-year-old was one of those killed in one car, along with a 56-year-old woman and a 60-year-old man, while a 44-year-old woman also died in the other vehicle.
A 10-month-old baby boy has been transferred from Waikato Hospital to Starship Hospital overnight in a critical condition.
A 42-year-old man remains in a critical condition at Waikato Hospital in intensive care, and a 32-year-old woman is also there in a stable condition.
Four females ages 2, 3, 17 and 66 have been taken to Rotorua Hospital in stable conditions.
A fifth woman was taken to Rotorua Hospital, but was not admitted as a patient.
The Serious Crash Unit is investigating the fatal incident, while Road Policing Manager Steve Greally says more people are failing to wear a seat belt. (Source: Other)
The scene of the crash has now been re-opened and the Police Serious Crash Unit is investigating.
Police Road Policing Manager Steve Greally says it is very difficult to know the exact cause of the terrible crash until a full investigation has been carried out.
"Very hard to understand until we've had that investigation," Mr Greally said, but added that "certainly restraining in this country has gone down".
"We're seeing increasing numbers of people dying in crashes who were not wearing a seatbelt."
"Absolutely devastating event"
Mr Greally said telling people their loved ones are not coming home never gets easier, and has become almost a daily job for police.
"As a cop, it's the hardest job in the world to do - to knock on the door and tell someone their mum, their dad, their wife, their loved ones, their kids are not coming home because someone made a mistake."
Senior Sergeant Nicky Cooney called the crash "an absolutely devastating event on our roads".
"Police extend their sympathies to the loved ones of all of those involved," he said.
"The investigation is in the very early stages but what is clear is that the vehicles have impacted head-on.
"At the moment our priority is ensuring support is provided to those who need it following this tragedy."
Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash, or has information which could help with the investigation, to call Taupo Police on 07 378 6060.
The crash in Taupo brings the total number of road deaths since Friday to 14, and this year's road toll now stands at 297, which is 45 more than this time last year.
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