The vehicles – a four-wheel-drive and a people-mover – were travelling in opposite directions when the crash occurred, Aoraki Area Commander Inspector Vicki Walker said.
”The vehicles have collided and the investigation will focus on exactly how that occurred.
”Three of the deceased were travelling in the people-mover, Inspector Walker said. Another person travelling with them was critically injured.”
Three people have died in a two-vehicle crash on State Highway 79 near Geraldine. Photo / George Heard
The driver from the four-wheel-drive, the sole occupant of that vehicle, was seriously injured. Both of the surviving crash victims have been airlifted to Christchurch Hospital.
”Losing so many lives at once is shocking and our hearts go out to those involved,” Walker said.
The deceased were part of a group visiting the district, and 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.
”Incidents like this are hard on everyone involved, and our communities too.
Both of the surviving crash victims were airlifted to Christchurch Hospital in a critical and serious condition. Photo / George Heard
”While the investigation is progressing, we’re making sure there is support in place for those involved, their families, and our staff who have attended the scene.
”We would like to thank all the first responders and agencies like Victim Support who are assisting those affected by today’s events.”
State Highway 79 is closed between Tiplady Rd and Kennedy Rd, while emergency services respond to the incident.
Diversions are in place and motorists should expect delays.
SH79 GERALDINE, CANTERBURY - SERIOUS CRASH - 3:40PM, WED 21 AUG SH79 is now CLOSED south of Geraldine, following a serious crash near Kennedy St. Closure points are in place at Inland Route 72/Talbot St, and at Tiplady Rd. Diversions are being established. ^CS pic.twitter.com/JhXRh7ljvC
— NZ Transport Agency - Canterbury & West Coast (@nztacwc) August 21, 2024
The Serious Crash Unit has been notified.
An employee at a shop in Geraldine told the Herald they heard the fire station alarm go off about 3.30pm.
”Since then there’s been fire trucks, police and helicopters flying everywhere.”
The vehicles – a four-wheel-drive and a people-mover – were travelling in opposite directions when the crash occurred, Photo / George Heard
A Hato Hone St John spokesperson confirmed two helicopters, four ambulances, a rapid response vehicle and an operations manager had responded.
Two patients were treated at the scene - one in a critical condition, one in a serious condition. Ambulance crews remain at the scene.
St John referred all other questions to police.
A Fire and Emergency NZ spokesperson confirmed about 16 firefighters also responded to the scene.
NZTA said SH79 remains closed south of Geraldine following the crash.
“Closure points are in place at Huffey St and Earl Rd. A diversion via Inland Scenic Route 72 and Winchester Hanging Rock Rd has been established. Follow this diversion or consider using another alternative route.
“The road will in all likelihood remain closed for several hours into this evening.”
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.
Geraldine Ward Councillor, Gavin Oliver, said there have been quite a few fatal accidents along that road over the past few years.
”There’s been a push for speed restrictions that haven’t happened yet but we’ve been constantly having NZTA up about some fix ups on that stretch of road, particularly near Tiplady Rd,” he said.
”We had a local lad killed along that stretch of road not long ago and it’s always a concern.
