Two dead, two critically injured in crash; police rescue victims from burning car

Two people are dead and two are in a critical condition after a crash involving a car and a truck in a Hamilton suburb early this morning.

Police said the crash happened on Ulster Street in Whitiora at about 3.45am.

Two people died at the scene and two others have been taken to hospital.

Three police officers have also been treated for smoke inhalation after pulling victims from the car when it caught fire after the crash.

"We can confirm a police unit was already on patrol in the vicinity of the crash at the time it occurred, and was able to respond instantly," Inspector Matt Cranshaw said in a statement.

"We can also confirm that police were not following or pursuing this vehicle leading up to the crash."

Cranshaw said police would also like to thank members of the public who rushed to offer help after the crash.

The road was closed for several hours as the Serious Crash Unit carried out an examination, but has now reopened.

Anyone who witnessed the event and may have recorded any parts of the incident was asked to contact police on 105 quoting file number 230709/5741.