NZ crash that killed three S'poreans a reminder to not drive when tired: Coroner

Report says fatigue a likely factor in 2023 accident that killed NUS undergraduates

- Christine Tan

When a camper van crashed in New Zealand, killing all three National University of Singapore undergraduates on board, it happened between midnight and 8am.

This is a timing considered a biological risk factor for fatigue, said local police in a New Zealand coroner’s findings on the April 2023 accident. The report was made available to The Straits Times on June 5, and fatigue was listed as a likely factor in the crash.

Coroner Alexandra Cunninghame wrote that the tragic accident illustrates the importance of not driving when fatigued.

Said the coroner: “All drivers, and particularly those who are planning road trips around New Zealand, must ensure that their itineraries allow sufficient time for rest and sleep so that they are not driving tired.”

Ms Sherwin Chong Shi Yun and Ms Yang Xinyue, both 21, and Mr Vincent Lim Jia Jun, 24, died in the crash at around 1am on April 17 at Te Moana Road near Geraldine, a town two hours drive from Christchurch.

The coroner’s findings said Ms Chong and Ms Yang were studying in New Zealand universities at the time. ST understands that they were on an exchange programme.