Fatal van crash: investigations ongoing

A rented white Hyundai mini-van carrying six occupants left Greta Road (State Highway One) and plunged down a 40 to 50m bank. Photo / Supplied by Westpac Rescue

A woman injured in a fatal van crash yesterday remains in a critical condition in Christchurch Hospital's Intensive Care Unit.

The van was carrying six tourists, understood to be visiting from Israel, when it crossed the centre line, travelled through a paddock and rolled down a steep bank.

One person died at the scene of the crash off State Highway 1 near Greta Valley yesterday morning.

Five other occupants were taken to Christchurch Hospital by air and road, police said.

A spokeswoman for Christchurch Hospital said today one woman was in critical condition in ICU.

Three occupants of the van were in general wards; one man in a serious condition, another comfortable, and a woman was stable, she said.

One man had been kept in the emergency ward under observation but had since been discharged.

She said they were all shaken by the event.

Police investigations into the crash were ongoing.

Canterbury police were appealing for anyone who witnessed the crash or saw the white min-van on SH1 prior to the crash to contact them by calling 03 363 7400.

Information could also be provided anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.