One of the victims of the horror head-on collision in Waverley, south Taranaki, had been cut out of a previous serious car crash just a year ago.
Six people died at the scene of the crash on SH3 near the Waverley Race Course on Wednesday, one passed away in Waikato Hospital on Thursday morning and an eighth person is in a critical condition in Wellington Hospital.
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One of those to lose their lives was Rosalie Porteous, a volunteer driver who took people to medical appointments.
Ms Porteous was involved in another crash last year, which left her in a critical condition. The accident occurred when strong wind pushed a truck and trailer across the road in front of her.
Waverley fire and emergency chief Alan Hickford remembers the earlier crash, which occurred near Patea.
"We and Patea Fire Brigade cut her out just 12 months ago," Mr Hickford told Radio New Zealand.
"She was getting on, good as gold. In 30 seconds, life can change from just cruising along to absolute bloody disaster."
Ms Porteous's husband Ian also died in the Waverley crash. In a statement, their family said the couple had been married for 54 years.
"They are extremely loving family people. Rosalie was great with social media and used this to keep up with what all the family was doing," the statement read.
"Ian had an awesome cheeky sense of humour and was extremely proud of all his grandchildren and was often found on the side line at their sports events.
"Our love and thoughts go out to all the families involved in this tragedy. We would like to thank all the emergency services involved in the accident for all their help."
Newshub.
