Teen's death crossing road 'tragic accident'

Photo / NZ Herald

A teenager crossing a road with a friend turned back in horror to find his mate had been struck by a car and fatally injured.

Joshua Lewis Anderson, 14, was hit while crossing the road at the intersection of Dyers Rd and Ferry Rd, in the Christchurch suburb of Woolston, about 6.30pm on Monday night in what police say appeared to be a tragic accident.

Joshua was described yesterday by his school headmaster as a pupil with a "bit of a spark about him", who would be sorely missed.

Police are investigating the crash and have spoken to Joshua's traumatised friend.

"From what we can establish, the other boy has been in front of Joshua at the time this has occurred. He's gone across first," said Detective Joel Syme, of Christchurch.

"Whether they have started [crossing] at the same time, and the other boy has been faster ... we can't tell until we can interview everybody."

Detective Sergeant Richard Quested said it appeared Joshua had been hit by a vehicle leaving a roundabout heading north on Dyers Rd.

"Victim support services have been arranged for [the teenager's] family as well as for the driver of the car."

Police have spoken to the driver of the car and to witnesses but are appealing to anyone who saw the incident to contact police.

Mr Quested said it was too early to determine whether any charges would be laid.