A crash on State Highway 79 has left three people dead. Photo: Supplied / AIMAN AMERUL MUNE / Stuff
Three people are dead and two others seriously injured after a crash in South Canterbury.
The serious crash involving two vehicles on State Highway 79 was reported about 3.15pm.
The vehicles - a four-wheel drive and a people-mover - were travelling in opposite directions when the crash occurred, police said.
Three of the dead were in the people-mover, while another person was critically injured. The driver of the four-wheel-drive, who was travelling alone, was seriously injured.
Both surviving victims were airlifted to Christchurch Hospital.
"Losing so many lives at once is shocking and our hearts go out to those involved," Aoraki Area Commander Inspector Vicki Walker said in a statement.
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.
Photo: Supplied / AIMAN AMERUL MUNE / Stuff
"We're wrapping support around them and will be speaking with them to help establish what occurred," Walker said.
"Incidents like this are hard on everyone involved, and our communities too."
