An 8-year-old boy who was the sole survivor from a four-wheel drive involved in a fatal collision with a logging truck and trailer on Tuesday remains in a stable condition at Auckland's Starship Hospital.
Police said the Range Rover carrying five people attempted to make a U-turn from the left-hand side of the road - and into the path of the fully-laden northbound Kenworth truck, north of a turnoff to Uretiti Beach.
Two men and two girls travelling in the car were killed. They were Andy Li, 43, Catherine Li, 10, Xingwu Bian, 47 and Ximeng Bian, 8.
All four were from Auckland.
An 8-year-old boy who had also been in the vehicle was critically injured and was initially taken to Whangarei Hospital and then later airlifted to Starship.
A hospital spokesman said he remained in a stable condition today.
Following the crash, Northland road policing boss Murray Hodson said the crash was a tragedy.
The Range Rover driver appeared to have made a momentary error of judgement but the consequences were fatal, Mr Hodson said.
"There will be a number of people who will be affected by this incident."
"Our hearts go out to the families of the victims especially at this time of year when families are getting together to celebrate Christmas."
Witnesses of the crash were referred to Victim Support, he said.
The crash was a reminder for all drivers to stay focused and concentrate on their driving, he said.
"One mistake can lead to fatal consequences."
By NZME. News Service
