Five people believed to be Tongan kiwifruit packhouse workers have died in a horror crash on State Highway 2 near Katikati tonight.
It is understood all of the victims were travelling in the car which had just pulled out of the Aongatete Coolstores on the corner of Dawson Rd.
Police said the car was struck by a southbound truck and trailer.
All five occupants of the car were killed. The truck driver was uninjured, Police said.
Aongatete Coolstores Limited Managing Director Allan Dawson reportedly said he believed the five that died were Tongan packers at his packhouse.
Mr Dawson said a staff member told him those involved in the crash had just finished an 8pm shift and were in a car turning right out of Dawson Rd onto State Highway 2 towards Katikati when they collided with a truck.
“We are certainly shocked and will try to do whatever we can,” he said.
