Police name two killed in Wellington Urban Motorway wrong-way crash

The two vehicles collided on the Wellington Urban motorway northbound on the fly-over between Molesworth St and the Aotea on-ramp. Image / NZTA

The two people who died in a crash after travelling nearly 10km in the wrong direction on a Wellington motorway have been named.

They were 76-year-old Lisale Foaese and 41-year-old George Foaese, both of
Wellington.

Police earlier said CCTV footage had confirmed the pair in the offending vehicle had entered the Wellington urban motorway at Petone on Tuesday morning and travelled nearly 10km in the wrong direction.

They eventually collided with another car in the northbound lane on the flyover between Molesworth St and the Aotea on-ramp, at about 4.20am.

The Foaeses died at the scene, while the occupants of the other car, Genna Te Kahika and her brother Jeremy, were taken to Wellington Hospital and remain in a critical condition.

A Givealittle page has been created to raise money for the injured pair, to help pay for food, bills, medicine and rent as they go through a long period of recovery.

More than $13,000 has been raised so far.

Brooklyn Kids regional manager Michela Homer said Genna Te Kahika is a much-loved member of the Early Childhood Centre.

While in shock, the teachers were ensuring life remained as normal as possible for the young children taught by Te Kahika.

"They're toddlers, so obviously the teachers will try to keep it as stable and calm as possible without upsetting them," she said.

"I have no doubt they'll be making some beautiful cards for her."

Students and teachers were both noticing the absence of Te Kahika, who had worked at the centre for five years.

The staff had put together the Givealittle page as a way of giving back to Genna, and helping to cover her medical costs.

Genna Te Kahika was critically injured in Tuesday's crash. Photo / Supplied

"Once the parents were informed, the parents and the team really wanted to find a way to support in any way that they could," she said.

"The Givealittle page was set up so the community in Brooklyn could offer something back to Genna."