Devastating twist after young couple were both killed in horror car crash - as grief-stricken pals reveal their shocking heartbreak

A young couple who were expecting a baby have been identified as the victims of a fatal crash.

Simran Shiuagani Mala, 25, and her partner Jamie William Pitman, 35, were found dead at the scene near Queenstown, in New Zealand , late on Thursday night.

A heartbreaking roadside memorial was set up on Malaghans Road, where mourners left flowers, a teddy bear attached to butterfly wings and a pair of pink baby boots.

It is understood that the local couple were due to welcome their baby in October, and devastated friends and family paid tribute to them on social media

One woman sent condolences to Mr Pitman and his partner's whānau - the Maori word for family - 'and our unborn pēpi'.

Another said she was 'completely lost for words'.

'Going on 20 years ago my dad bought you into our lives and you became part of our whānau,' she wrote on Facebook .

'If I knew two weeks ago would be the last time we spoke, we wouldn't have sat there talking about cars and mowers with you.

'We're going to miss all the random calls and visits. You will always be remembered, Jamie.'

'Sending aroha and condolences ... my heart aches right now ... you both will be sadly missed but not forgotten,' a third person posted.

Mr Pitman's father, Brent Cook, said he will value their brief phone catch-ups for a lifetime.

'RIP, son, love you and will miss you, love dad,' he said.

One of Ms Mala's friends said she will always remember her as 'bubbly and cheerful'.

'Everyone who knew her is in shock about the death,' she told Star News .

'I thought she was just a breath of fresh air; she was so kind to everyone she met.

'If someone was feeling down, she would always bring things back to life.'

Another said their loss was 'absolutely devastating'.

Police said the two-vehicle crash also involved a Millbrook Resort shuttle bus.

Three ambulances and a rescue helicopter rushed to the crash scene at Dalefield, midway between Queenstown and Arrowtown, around 10pm.

'Our crews assessed and treated one patient in a moderate condition and four patients in a minor condition; all were transported to Lakes District Hospital by road," a spokesperson said,' a Hato Hone St John spokesperson told the New Zealand Herald .

Five people were injured and taken to Lakes District Hospital, where one was treated for moderate injuries.

The cause of the crash is still being investigated.