Sole survivor remains in hospital

The sole survivor of a double fatal car crash that killed his two cousins in the Eastern Bay of Plenty remains in Tauranga Hospital.

Tom Kupa was injured in a head-on crash at the intersection of State Highway 2 and Bell Road last month.

Two people died in a head-on collision in the Eastern Bay of Plenty. The sole survivor remains in Tauranga Hospital. Photo: Supplied.

His two cousins Katiana Kereopa, 37, and his nephew Turuki Kereopa, 17, were killed in the crash when their Honda sedan and Kupa’s Toyota Hilux collided.

Kupa was flown to Tauranga Hospital with serious injuries following the crash in the Eastern Bay of Plenty on July 17.

Bay of Plenty District Health Board communications advisor Frances Rameka says Tom is in a stable and comfortable condition in hospital.

Tom, a logging contractor, was travelling to work in Rotorua while his cousins were returning from a family tangi when the crash occurred.

TrustPower TECT Rescue Helicopter pilot Liam Brettkelly says Tom was trapped in his vehicle for around half an hour.

“He received multiple injuries. He was stabilised at the scene by St John Paramedics before being flown to Tauranga Hospital.”