Police in Hawke's Bay have praised witnesses to a crash who risked their lives to pull people from the flaming wreckage.
A car passing three other vehicles struck a light truck that was turning into a property in Clive just before 2pm on Saturday.
Both vehicles erupted into flames after the crash on Lawn Road. Two of the three teenagers in the car were trapped until residents and motorists dragged them out.
One bystander freed an elderly man trapped in the truck by using a hammer to smash the windscreen, amid thick smoke.
Four people were taken to Hawke's Bay hospital, at least two had serious to moderate injuries. One of the rescuers was admitted for smoke inhalation.
Police say the rescuers are 'reluctant heroes' whose actions saved at least two lives.
