Tragic Vehicle Accident Claims Lives of South Korean Skiers in New Zealand

Roundhill Ski Area Photo David Wall / Alamy Stock Photo

In a devastating accident on Wednesday, three members of South Korea’s national ski team lost their lives in a head-on collision in New Zealand. The crash happened on State Highway 7 near the rural town of Geraldine, on the South Island. The skiers were in New Zealand to train and compete in the upcoming Winter Games.

The South Korean team, coaches, and other personnel were traveling in a convoy after a day of training when the tragedy struck. A van carrying team members collided with a four-wheel-drive vehicle traveling in the opposite direction. The impact was severe, resulting in the deaths of three van passengers and critically injuring another. The crash also seriously injured the driver of the four-wheel-drive.

Inspector Vicki Walker, the Aoraki Area Commander leading the investigation, said, “The vehicles have collided, and the investigation will focus on exactly how that occurred.” She added, “Losing so many lives at once is shocking, and our hearts go out to those involved.”

Authorities have not yet released the names of the deceased as police work to confirm their identities. However, a source close to the team, speaking to the New Zealand Herald from Korea, confirmed that the victims were ski athletes. “They are so young and very talented racers,” the source said, expressing the deep sorrow felt within the ski community.

The crash has left the team and their supporters in shock. Other team members, including a recent Olympic competitor, witnessed the horrific incident as they followed in vehicles behind the van.

New Zealand’s emergency services responded quickly to the scene. Emergency services dispatched two helicopters, four ambulances, a rapid response vehicle, and an operations manager. Additionally, about 16 firefighters worked to assist at the site of the crash.

The tragic accident occurred just before the New Zealand Winter Games, scheduled to begin tomorrow in Queenstown. The games were to feature competitions at Cardrona, Coronet Peak, and The Remarkables. The South Korean team had been training at Roundhill Ski Area in Tekapo before the crash.

A spokesperson from the Korean Embassy in Wellington declined to comment on the accident as the investigation continues. South Korea’s Foreign Ministry provides consular assistance to those affected by the tragedy.

This fatal accident occurred on the same stretch of road where another crash claimed three lives in April last year. It also follows a collision between a truck and a car in the same area just a week earlier, which resulted in one death.

The South Korean ski community and the broader sports world are mourning the loss of these young and talented athletes. “Our ski family is heartbroken,” the source told the New Zealand Herald. “This is a very sad loss for our community, and our thoughts are with the families and friends of those we have lost.”

Information sources: New Zealand Herald and the Korean Associated Press.