Tokoroa is mourning the loss of a young man killed in a crash less than 20 minutes drive from the township.

Kingi-Jo Wiremu Vartiainen Veens, 18, died when the car he was driving and a truck and trailer unit collided on a State Highway 1 at Atiamuri on Tuesday morning.

Veens' was heading south when his car collided with a Halls truck hauling frozen goods northward. His car ended up wedged beneath the truck around 2.30am.

The truck driver managed to jump from the cab before both vehicles erupted into flames on the rural highway between Tokoroa and Taupō.

His death takes the total number of deaths on the country's roads this year to 324 - one less than the same time last year.

Family gathered at his mother's home in central Tokoroa this week but did not yet wish to speak about the loss.

"With broken hearts we announce the loss of our much loved and treasured son Kingi-Jo Wiremu Vartiainen Veens," family posted on social media.

His parents Marsh and Elia invited friends and family to attend a service for the teenager at the Tokoroa High School hall on Saturday, November 17 at 11am.

The service follows a private family service at home on Friday.

"Marsh, Eila and Whanau would like to invite all to attend and share their memories and love of our son. Nau mai haere mai whanau."

Vartiainen Veens was described as an avid sportsperson who played rugby for Tokoroa High School.

He would have turned 19 on Monday.

Friends of the former student have posted tributes on Facebook.

One friend wrote; "My heart breaks for you bro! Rest in eternal love Kingi jo, My thoughts and aroha go out to your whanau."

"What a cool kid Kingi Jo, and what a fine young man you became! We at Tainui have memories and stories to share and when we do, we will do so with a smile," another posted.

"We will miss you heaps King Jo. You'll be Sadly missed by all your Te Rito whanau and Tokoroa High School and our Ngapo whanau. Go be with your cuzzie and my awesome friend Joey Curtis who I miss lots. Your whanau will all be looking after you."

Another wrote; "All I can do is appreciate the beautiful time we shared together and love the memories we have created together. I loved you then, I love you now and I will love you forever. I'm trying to be strong everyone, thanks for all the love and support. As kingi would say " Shine and grind my mahi girl, that's what I'm going to do. Fly high beautiful boy. May you rest in love xoxox."

Bay of Plenty road policing manager Senior Sergeant Fane Troy says the truck was found on top of the car with the driver trapped inside.

It took several hours and the use of a crane to remove the front of the refrigeration unit from the burnt out car beneath.

Investigations into the crash were continuing.

-Stuff