Police name victim of rural South Auckland crash as 2-year-old Zion Barbarich

Police have named the 2-year-old toddler killed in a single-vehicle crash in rural South Auckland.

Emergency services were called to the intersection of Walters and Blackbridge Rds in Karaka about 8.50pm on January 4.

A car had crashed into a bank on the rural road, a police spokesperson said at the time.

“One of the occupants sadly could not be revived by first responders and died at the scene, while the other was transported to hospital in a serious condition.”

The victim has been named as 2-year-old Zion Barbarich from Pukekohe.

A tribute on social media said Zion was “our special boy” and “such a special part of our lives”.

“Police extend our condolences to the family and loved ones of those involved,” police said.

Inquiries into the circumstances of the crash remain ongoing.

A Hato Hone St John spokesperson said at the time they responded to the incident with two ambulances, one rapid response unit and one manager.

“We transported one patient to hospital in a serious condition.”

One community member said on social media that they “heard a huge bang” followed by police sirens and lights.

The crash came a day after the end of the Christmas and New Year holiday road toll period, during which 13 people died over 2024/25.