Two teenagers have died in a crash after the driver lost control of the car and it flipped in Northland yesterday afternoon.
Police were called to the fatal crash on State Highway 1 in Hūkerenui, south of Kawakawa, just after 5pm on Thursday.
A police spokesperson said it appears the vehicle was driven through an unmanned road working area at speed. The driver then lost control of the vehicle on an area being sealed and it went off-road and flipped.
Officers found an 18-year-old male deceased outside the vehicle, and a deceased 15-year-old female inside.
Another teenager managed to exit the vehicle and went for help. They are reported to have suffered moderate injuries.
State Highway 1 was temporarily closed for an hour and a half on Thursday evening between Rusk Rd and Kopeti Rd.
"It appears speed, and a lack of restraints has played a major part in the aftermath, and The Serious Crash Unit has begun an investigation," police said.
"We would like to remind motorists travelling in Northland that there are many road repairs ongoing throughout the region."
Police are reminding drivers to be alert, drive to the conditions, wear seatbelts, and slow down to at least 30km/h when driving through any areas impacted by road works.
"Two young people won't be coming home to their families this Christmas, but this tragedy could have easily been avoided," police said.
