The remains of a car after the fatal crash
The crash occurred on Karaka Road, north of Pukekohe, when an overtaking car collided with the van travelling in the opposite direction.
Both vehicles were engulfed in flames on impact leaving the car driver dead and injuring four people travelling in the van, including a four-year-old child.
Senior Sergeant Shawn Rutene said the ferocity of the fire that engulfed the car prevented passers-by from saving the driver, but their actions in pulling the van occupants to safety "undoubtedly" prevented more deaths.
The occupants of the van suffered injuries ranging from medium to serious and were taken to Middlemore Hospital.
It was the only fatal road accident reported over the weekend.
