A freight train that was travelling from Mt Maunganui to Hamilton collided with a car at a railway crossing on Peachgrove Rd about 4.30am.
All three of the victims were in the car, and their names were:
- William Brown ,46, of Huntly.
- Shylin Huirana-Osbourne ,26, of Hamilton.
- Sione Nusipepa ,23, of Huntly.
Two other people who were in the car remain in Waikato Hospital, police said.
The train driver was uninjured, but is now on leave.
The full circumstances around the crash were still under investigation, police said.
Police said they wanted to speak to any members of the public who assisted, in particular the occupants of a vehicle that was stopped at the crossing barrier arm when officers arrived on the scene.
A memorial page on social media for Shylin Osbourne said he was a beloved son, brother, father, uncle, cousin, nephew, and moko.
"Our love, support, and kindness during this difficult time have not gone unnoticed, and we are deeply grateful. We also extend our heartfelt sympathy to the families and friends of Shylin's friends who have also recently passed.
"We want to share our love on their own journeys of grief, allowing them the space to come to terms with their loss. we will share more info when we know more details . Moe mai rā i te aroha mutunga kore - rest eternally," continued the online memorial page.
An online fundraising page has also been set up to gain "financial support to help us with his final day".
