A horror crash on Kaeo Hill has claimed the lives of two young Northland men overnight.
The smash occurred on State Highway 10 south of Kaeo at 12.15am today.
It is understood the teenage driver of a car heading south up the hill lost control, went into a spin and collided with a ute travelling downhill.
The car, which was carrying two young male passengers, was shunted into a gully. The driver and front-seat passenger were dead when emergency services arrived.
The rear passenger suffered back injuries but managed to climb out of the wreck.
The woman driving the ute suffered chest injuries from her seatbelt. She and the surviving passenger from the car were taken to hospital in Kawakawa.
Speed, alcohol and a wet road may have contributed to the crash.
The police Serious Crash Unit is investigating. Police are contacting next of kin before releasing the names of the deceased.
- Northern Advocate
