Two M’sian students killed in NZ crash

PETALING JAYA: Putrajaya, through its High Commission in New Zealand, will provide the necessary assistance to the victims of a car crash and their next-of-kin, says the Prime Minister.

Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim also expressed his condolences to the families of the two Malaysian students who were killed in the car crash near Lake Tekapo.

“I also pray for the speedy recovery of three Malaysian students who were injured in the same road accident,” he said in a statement yesterday.

Earlier, Wisma Putra confirmed that the two students died in a car crash in Christchurch yesterday.

The Foreign Ministry added that the other three students were airlifted to Christchurch Hospital for urgent medical treatment.

“The High Commission of Malaysia in Wellington, with the assistance of the Malaysian community in Christchurch, is providing consular assistance to the victims and next-of-kin to ensure their welfare is well taken care of.

“The ministry and High Commission of Malaysia stand ready to assist should the next-of-kin decide to repatriate the remains to Malaysia,” it said in a statement.

The ministry confirmed that the accident involving five people took place near Lake Tekapo at about 1.45pm local time.

Lake Tekapo is located about 700km south-west of New Zealand’s capital, Wellington, on South Island.

Malaysians requiring consular assistance may email the High Commission of Malaysia in Wellington at [e-mail] or call [phone] or [phone].

“The ministry also extends its heartfelt condolences to the next-of-kin of the victims involved in this tragic road accident,” the statement read.