Three people are dead and two others are seriously injured after a two-vehicle, head-on crash near Geraldine that has closed a state highway. Video / George Heard
Members of Korea’s national ski team were involved in a head-on crash between two vehicles yesterday where three people died.
The Herald has learned that members of the team, coaches and others were travelling in convoy after a day of training when the crash happened.
It is unclear what caused the crash and the identities of the three people who died are yet to be confirmed.
National ski coach and Olympian Sung-hyun Kyung spoke to the Herald from Korea.
“As you know they were all ski racers, it’s very sad news for our ski community,” he said.
He was not sure if the surviving and uninjured members of the team will still compete at the event they travelled here for.
“Not sure our racers can race there.. because they all shocked,” he said.
Two others were seriously injured in the crash that happened on State Highway 7 at about 3.15pm yesterday.
Aoraki Area Commander Inspector Vicki Walker said the vehicles – a 4WD and a people-mover – were travelling in opposite directions when the crash occurred.
”The vehicles have collided and the investigation will focus on exactly how that occurred,” she said.
Police are working to formally identify the victims today.
The deaths have also been referred to the Coroner.
”Three of the deceased were travelling in the people-mover,” said Walker.
“Another person travelling with them was critically injured.”
A source confirmed members of Korea’s national ski team were involved in the crash. She had not yet heard who had died.
“At this stage, we are unable to provide any information regarding this matter as the investigation is still on the way by the police,” they said.
Three people have died in a two-vehicle crash on State Highway 79 near Geraldine. Photo / George Heard
Walker said the driver of the 4WD - the sole occupant of that vehicle - was also seriously injured.
”Losing so many lives at once is shocking and our hearts go out to those involved,” Walker said.
She confirmed yesterday that the three people who died were part of a group visiting the district - and other members of that group were following behind the vehicle at the time of the crash.
”We’re wrapping support around them and will be speaking with them to help establish what occurred,” said Walker.
”Incidents like this are hard on everyone involved, and our communities too.
The two-vehicle crash happened shortly before 8.30am on August 14 on SH79, north of Geraldine near the intersection of Keen Rd and Main North Rd.
Anna Leask is a Christchurch-based reporter who covers national crime and justice. She joined the Herald in 2008 and has worked as a journalist for 18 years with a particular focus on family violence, child abuse, sexual violence, homicides, mental health and youth crime. She writes, hosts and produces the award-winning podcast A Moment In Crime, released monthly on nzherald.co.nz