Fatal van crash: Victim named

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

The family of an Israeli woman who died in a van crash in North Canterbury has thanked the emergency services in New Zealand for their help and support.

Liora Keren, 61, died when the van carrying her, her husband and four fellow Israeli tourists crossed the centre line on State Highway 1 near Greta Valley and rolled down a bank.

She was a passenger in the rear of the van and was wearing a seat-belt at the time of the crash, police said.

A spokesperson on behalf of Mrs Keren's family and her holiday companions gave a statement through police.

"We are still coming to terms with the sudden loss of Liora," the statement said.

"She was much loved by her family and a cherished friend to those who knew her.

"We made many happy memories during our short time in New Zealand and would like to thank Canterbury Police, the NZ Fire Service and the paramedics from St John and Westpac for their help and support."

The spokesperson asked for privacy while the family and travelling companions came to turn with the death away from home.

Police said a female rear seat passenger is in a critical condition in Christchurch Hospital ICU. The driver, a 69 year old man, and the male front seat passenger and male and female rear seat passengers are all described as being in a comfortable condition in Christchurch Hospital.

Police said investigations were continuing into the crash.