Expressway collision kills son, critically injures dad | Hawkes Bay News | Local News in Hawkes Bay

A 6-year-old boy is dead and his father in a critical, but stable condition, after a car accident on the Hawke's Bay Expressway yesterday afternoon.

Andre Ranford and his father, Colin, had to be cut free from their mangled vehicle on the corner of Links Rd and the Hawke's Bay Expressway at about 3.30pm yesterday after the Citroen they were travelling in and a light truck collided.

Mr Ranford was travelling in convoy to Dannevirke, just a few cars ahead of wife Michelle and their young daughters.

Youngest son Marcus was in the back seat on the passenger's side; Andre was in the front.

 Police said as Mr Ranford attempted to turn right off the expressway on to Links Rd, his car was struck on the passenger's side by the small truck.

Today 4-year-old Marcus was listed in a stable condition at Hawke's Bay Hospital with minor injuries.

Andre's injuries were so extensive, he was flown to Wellington Hospital overnight and died just after 4.30am today.

Andre's grandmother, Cherie Ranford of Napier, said the family were on their way home to Stratford after a five-day visit.

The car Mr Ranford was driving had just been loaded up with fruit and vegetables to take back to friends.

"Colin said he was going to go along State Highway 50A. I just don't understand why he would've changed his mind," Mrs Ranford said as she comforted her young granddaughters.

"He's always been a good driver. He's always been such a good driver. I just don't understand."

When asked by a friend if he wanted anyone called upon for assistance, Mr Ranford's father, Graham, pointed to the sky and replied, "just the man up there to help", as he picked up debris.

This morning, Andre's grandfather spoke of a fun-loving grandson who had a passion for rippa rugby.

"He was a fantastic kid. I know people always say that but it's true.

"Andre was a great kid. The absolute spitting image of his father.

"He was a very deep thinker and he was only 6. You really needed to know Andre to understand."

Andre's mother, Michelle, travelled to Wellington with Andre and was set to return with his body today.

Traffic alongside the crash site was reduced to one lane until about 11pm last night while the Serious Crash Unit investigated the scene.

Napier Police sergeant Ray Wylie said the two occupants of the truck escaped with minor injuries.

They were released from Hawke's Bay Hospital last night.

Mr Wylie said police would continue to encourage drivers to be vigilant at intersections and ask that extra care be taken in high speed areas.