The Exclusive Brethren community in Northland is mourning the death of three of their own after a horror crash in Dargaville last night.
The incident brought the holiday road toll to 11, making it the deadliest Queen's Birthday weekend on our roads in 27 years.
Their 4WD was left twisted and broken after hitting a large tree on Baylys Coast Rd.
Three of five people inside the vehicle's cab were killed, with another two in the ute tray lucky to be alive.
The group were travelling home from Baylys Beach, and it's understood the father of some of the passengers was behind the wheel.
Susanna Stewart, her 16-year-old daughter, Sadie, and 18-year-old James Wearmouth all died at the scene. The teenagers were both students at Westmount School's Maungaturoto campus.
Sadie Stewart, Susanna Stewart and James Wearmouth
"Utter shock -- it is a tragedy and our hearts go out to those families involved," says principal Phil Muir.
Mr Muir says the teens were intelligent, popular members of their classes.
Mr Wearmouth had only just performed at the school's national graduation last Friday.
"Star on the stage, beautiful guitarist, academically talented -- a wonderful young man who was really engaged with the students," says Mr Muir.
Today was a teacher-only day at the school, but counsellors will be on-hand from tomorrow.
Eleven people died in eight crashes, and police say they wouldn't be surprised if the usual suspects -- alcohol, speed and inattention -- were involved.
Police have spoken to the driver involved in the crash and say it's possible charges could be laid against him.
Newshub.
