Canterbury community reeling after death of three teenagers in Boxing Day crash

Flowers and tributes at the scene of a crash that killed three teenagers near Leeston in Canterbury. Photo / Kurt Bayer

Family and friends of the three teens killed in a horror smash have been visiting the crash site in Canterbury all day today.

Flowers, messages and special tributes have been left at the site.

"Love you, Lilly," one woman said at the site today.

There were tears and hugs as they examined the site and talked through what had happened.

Others politely declined to comment, saying it was too early to speak publicly about their loss.

Flowers and tributes have been left at the scene. Photo / Kurt Bayer

The car appears to have become airborne after hitting a raised roadside berm at the western end of Harts Rd.

The car has been launched across Southbridge Sedgemere Rd before it smashed through a farm fence and into a macrocarpa hedge, narrowly missing a concrete power pole.
Police say investigations into the crash are ongoing.

Police today named the three 15-year-old victims who died in the crash near Leeston, southwest of Christchurch, just after 2am yesterday morning, as Cole Troy Hull, Samuel James Drost and Lily Frances Moore.

A 14-year-old boy was behind the wheel and he remains in hospital with serious injuries. Another 14-year-old, the only occupant wearing a seatbelt, suffered minor injuries and was discharged from hospital yesterday.

The three dead teenagers attended different high schools: Hull at Ellesmere College, Drost at Lincoln High School, and Moore at Rangi Ruru Girls' School in Christchurch.

Flowers, messages and special tributes have been left at the site. Photo / Kurt Bayer

Ellesmere College principal Gavin Kidd told Fairfax the school community was "deeply saddened" by the tragedy and the school was offering support to students and parents.

"All of our students are important and losing one is a tragedy. Our thoughts and sympathy go out to Cole Hull's family and the other victims.

Flowers and tributes at the scene of the crash. Photo / Kurt Bayer

"The school will be doing all we can to support the families involved and all of our students and staff affected."

Three teachers would be at the school today to support the local community if needed and the tragedy would have a huge effect on students.

Rangi Ruru principal Dr Sandra Hastie said in a statement provided to the Herald news of Lily Moore's death had been met with "immense sadness" at the school.

The scene of a crash that killed three teenagers near Leeston. Photo / Kurt Bayer

"Our heartfelt condolences go to Lily's family and friends.

"Rangi Ruru is a strong, closely-knit and supportive community and as such, we of course have reached out to the grieving family so they know we are here for them at this difficult time."