All three people who died after a truck slammed into three other trucks parked on the side of the road near Whakatāne were working for contracting firm Higgins.
The horror crash took place on State Highway 2 shortly before 2pm today.
Police said three people died at the scene and two others were injured in the crash.
Fletcher Building chief executive Ross Taylor released a statement on the incident this evening.
"Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the families and friends of the three people who died and two who were injured in a traffic accident in the Bay of Plenty this afternoon.
Four separate vehicles were involved in the crash on State Highway 2 near Pikowai. (Source: Other)
"Two of those who died were part of our Higgins business and one was a contractor working for us, while the two injured were contractors.
"This is an absolute tragedy, and we are moving to offer our support to those affected and to our people in the area.
"We are working with police and other authorities to establish the circumstances around this accident," Mr Taylor said.
1 NEWS understands two bodies have been removed from the road.
It's understood a truck hit three other vehicles that were parked on the side of the road.
The road has been closed since as the scene is cleared.


















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