Police have released the names of two men killed in a car crash near Blenheim this morning.
They were Gary Alexander Benseman, aged 22, and Brian James Cooper, aged 23. Both men were locals.
Tasman police spokeswoman Jenni Richardson said Benseman, who was driving, lost control on a straight section of Old Renwick Road. The car hit a power pole and burst into flames.
The vehicle had been travelling behind another car, she said.
"We have spoken to the driver of the other vehicle and, while we can't confirm they were racing, we know they have been travelling at speed and passing each other," she said.
An investigation will be completed before police decide whether any charges will be laid.
"What we know is this was a senseless waste of two young lives and this accident was entirely avoidable. I can only hope that other young drivers will get the message that they are not invincible and cars are not toys," Inspector Richardson said.
"I urge everyone on the roads to take extreme care, especially over the holiday period."
