Waikato Police have released the names of the two women who died after their car collided with another vehicle near Thames yesterday morning.

District Road Policing Manager Inspector Dana McDonald says they are still investigating the cause of the crash which kill 20-year-olds Jani Von Wielligh of Adelaide and Natasha Strydom of Waiuku.

Waikato Police have released the names of the two women killed in yesterday morning’s crash on State Highway 25 just south of Thames. Photo: File

Dana says emergency services were called to the scene of the crash on State Highway 25, near the intersection of Pipiroa Rd, on Tuesday morning at about 7.45am.

“On arrival we found a westbound Volkswagen Passat car had collided with an eastbound Mazda Demio,” says Dana. “The two female occupants of the Mazda were killed in the crash and on behalf of NZ Police we would like to extend our sympathies to the families.”

The Waikato Serious Crash Unit is currently investigating the crash but was yet to determine the circumstances of what occurred.

Dana says initial indications suggest the west bound Volkswagen car appears to have crossed the centreline and collided with the Mazda in the east bound lane.

“The female driver of the Volkswagen suffered serious injuries and was airlifted to Waikato Hospital where she was reported as being in a serious but stable condition overnight.”

Dana says neither excessive speed, alcohol, or the not wearing of seatbelts appeared to be factors in the crash.

He adds: “While the investigation is still in its formative stages one thing that is confirmed is the undeniable tragedy of what occurred.”