Two people killed in crash near Tekapo were Malaysian students
Sunday, 31 March 2024
Three people were killed in a crash near Tekapo on Saturday.
Two of the victims were students from Malaysia, travelling in a group of 5.
A motorcyclist was also killed in the crash.
Two people who were killed in a multi-vehicle crash along State Highway 8 on Saturday were Malaysian students from the University of Canterbury.
Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim posted his condolences to the families of two Malaysian students who died in the crash near Tekapo on Saturday.
“Condolences to the families of two Malaysian students who died in a road accident in Lake Tekapo, New Zealand.
“I also pray for the three more Malaysian students who were injured in this incident to be healed as soon as possible.”
The post on Facebook said the Malaysian Government through the High Commission is providing “appropriate assistance to victims and their families”.
Malaysian media have reported the deceased students were Megat Ashman Aqif Megat Irman Jefni and Wan Nur Adlina Alisa, who both studied at the University of Canterbury.
The other three injured were Nur Firas Wafiyyah and Lya Issable Walton, also students from the University of Canterbury, and Muhamad Faris Mohd Fairusham, a student from Victoria University in Wellington.
The Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement to X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday saying the remaining three students were airlifted to Christchurch Hospital for urgent medical treatment.
The High Commission of Malaysia in Wellington, with the help of the Malaysian community in Christchurch, is providing consular assistance to victims and next of kin to ensure their welfare is taken care of, it said.
“The Ministry and High Commission of Malaysia stand ready to assist should the next-of-kin decide to repatriate the remains to Malaysia.”
University of Canterbury Tumu Whakarae Vice-Chancellor Professor Cheryl de la Rey said the university community was 'deeply saddened' by the passing of two of its students.
'I wish to share our sincerest condolences with the families and friends of those affected,' she said.
'Two of our students were also injured and are currently in a stable condition in Christchurch Hospital.
'We will be working directly with Ōtautahi Christchurch’s Malaysian community to ensure they have the support and help they need.
“We know this devastating accident will have a profound and ongoing impact on our community, and we encourage students and staff to prioritise their own wellbeing, together with their whānau and friends.
'Our thoughts are with those involved in the emergency service teams, and members of the public, who responded to the scene.'
Sam Yau, president of the Canterbury Malaysian Society, said the accident had come as a 'shock'.
The crash involving the five Malaysian students involved two vehicles and a motorcycle and happened between Hayman and Tekapo Canal roads at 1.30pm on Saturday.
Inspector Craig McKay said a large number of emergency staff, including three rescue helicopters responded.
“Despite the best efforts of those first at the scene, three people were unable to be saved.”
Several of the injured were trapped in the wreckage and needed to be cut out, McKay said.
One of those that died was on the motorcycle, while the two students were in a car together.
The crash was one of two to happen along State Highway 8 on Saturday.
A second crash near the turnoff to Aoraki Mount Cook, saw 10 people suffer injuries, with one listed as in a serious condition.
The second crash happened at 3pm, further along the same road near Tekapo.
McKay said crashes of this nature were “incredibly confronting” and support for members of the public who were first on scene was arranged.
He asked motorists to take extra care while driving this long weekend.
“Please take your time, have plenty of breaks and drive to the conditions.”