Fourth person dies after Easter weekend crash near Tekapo
Monday, 1 April 2024
A fourth person has died after a crash near Tekapo that claimed the lives of two fellow students and a motorcyclist.
Five Malaysian students were travelling in a vehicle along State Highway 8 at Pukaki between Hayman and Tekapo Canal roads when they were involved in a crash with another vehicle and a motorcycle at 1.30pm on Saturday.
Two students died at the scene, who Malaysian media reported as being Megat Ashman Aqif Megat Irman Jefni and Wan Nur Adlina Alisa, who both studied at the University of Canterbury.
The motorcyclist was also declared dead at the roadside.
A number of people were trapped in the wreckage and needed to be cut free, and three were flown to hospital in a serious condition.
Police on Monday said one of those people died overnight.
“Our thoughts are with their loved ones at this difficult time,” a spokesperson said.
“An investigation into the crash remains ongoing, and police continue to work through a formal identification processes in relation to those that died at the scene.”
Police are appealing for witnesses and have spoken with a number of people at the scene following the crash.
“We would also like to hear from anyone who witnessed the crash, in order to build a complete picture of what occurred,” the spokesperson said.
Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim offered his condolences on social media to the families of the two Malaysian students who were initially confirmed to have died.
“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”.
Two of the other three students who were injured were from the University of Canterbury, while one was from Victoria University in Wellington.
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 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,” a statement from the commission said.
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.
“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 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.
Inspector Craig 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.”