Witnesses are being sought to a crash which claimed the life of four people last night near Hamilton.

Police say a white Nissan Skyline was travelling north on State Highway 3 towards Hamilton and it appears to have come around a slight left hand bend on the wrong side of the road. In correcting the vehicle has lost control and collided with a Toyota Van travelling south.

Emergency services at the scene of last night's crash. Photos: George Heard/Fairfax NZ.

As a result of the crash the four occupants of the Nissan vehicle died at the scene and the driver, who was the sole occupant of the Toyota van, was taken to hospital with serious injuries. Speed and alcohol are suspected as factors in the crash police say in a media statement.

Police would like to hear from anyone who may have seen the Nissan Skyline in Te Awamutu between 9.30pm and 10pm last night. Initial enquiries have suggested the Nissan was travelling with a second vehicle, a small white hatchback, possibly modified with tinted windows.

Both vehicles were in the Ohaupo village just before the crash. If you have information or saw the vehicles driving between Te Awamutu and the crash site please contact Waikato Police (07) 858 6200 (ask for the District Command Centre) says Waikato Road Policing manager Inspector Freda Grace.

'This latest crash brings the number of fatal crashes in the Waikato so far this year to 25, with 34 people killed. This is tragic.

While the majority of drivers take their road user responsibilities seriously, the crashes and loss of life clearly demonstrate when a mistake is made the consequences are devastating and far reaching, says Freda.

'Police wish to extend their sympathies to the families of those involved in yesterday's crash and urge all drivers to drive to the conditions and comply with the road rules, they are designed to keep everyone safe.”