Black spot crash victims named

CRASH VICTIM: Lance Kevin Rielly, 39, of Titahi Bay

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Police have named the two victims who died in a head on crash on State Highway One near Paraparaumu on Friday.

They were Stephanie Anne Fox, 18, and Lance Kevin Rielly, 39, of Titahi Bay.

Police would not release details of the other persons involved in this crash.

The investigation into the cause of the crash was ongoing.

Police described a chaotic scene, after a car smashed head-on into vehicle carrying a family that was coming the other way.

The deaths take the holiday road toll to 15.

The crash happened about 2.45pm near the intersection of Otaihanga Road and State Highway 1, just north of Paraparaumu.

Five people, including three children, were injured in the crash.

The children were taken to Wellington Hospital by ambulance.

Wellington district road policing manager Inspector Peter Baird described the accident scene as "chaotic", with so many people, including children, involved.

It appeared the car heading south had used a passing lane at speed, before losing control on a bend.

It had crossed the centre line and smashed into a north-bound car, which was carrying a family.

Both the deceased were from the south-bound car, Baird said.

The accident, which happened on a wet road, showed the need to drive to the conditions, he said.

Both lanes of State Highway 1 were blocked for several hours while the Serious Crash Unit investigated.

The stretch of State Highway 1 near the Otaihanga intersection is a notorious black spot.

It was the scene of two serious crashes, including a fatality, in a two week stretch over September and October.

Kelly Thompson, 17, was killed at a corner just north of the Otaihanga intersection on September 30.

The NZ Transport Agency this year announced plans for a $14 million wire rope barrier and roundabout at the intersection.

- © Fairfax NZ News