Horror Huntly crash family 'touched the lives of so many'

(Supplied.)
(Supplied.)

The Brisbane family involved in a horror crash in Huntly were in New Zealand to celebrate their grandmother's birthday.

A neighbour of the family says they were "the most kindest, supportive family".

Stephen Philips, 54 and his two step sons, 12 and 14, were killed when the car they were in crossed the centre line and collided with a truck on State Highway 1 in Huntly on Monday.

Mr Philips was the first violinist with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra (QSO).

Horror Huntly crash family 'touched the lives of so many'

(Supplied)

The boys' mother, Belinda Williams, is in a stable condition at Waikato Hospital after surviving the crash. Ms Williams has undergone surgery for facial injuries that were caused by an airbag.

Her nine-year-old daughter is now understood to be staying with her grandparents.

"All of the family are there, which is one grateful thing," the family's neighbour Sharon told Newshub.

She says the family know the road well.

"I can't fathom what kind of distraction would've caused this because they have been down that road many times. They go quite often to New Zealand to visit the family."

Sharon says their children often played together and the families would have barbeques in the summer.

"We are just devastated because we are all so close. I can't imagine Belinda's grief, losing Stephen and her beautiful boys. They have touched the lives of so many people."

Chair of the QSO Greg Wanchap describes the incident as tragic.

"The thoughts, prayers and love from everyone at the Queensland Symphony Orchestra are today with the family of our much loved First Violinist Stephen Phillips and his partner Belinda Williams, who often played Viola with the QSO."

Newshub.