CHANDIGARH: The three Indian-origin youths, two men and one woman, hailing from Punjab were killed when their car crashed into a BurgerFuel restaurant in Takanini, South Auckland, on Diwali night.
The incident occurred around 10.15 pm on Sunday when the vehicle reportedly lost control at a roundabout on Great South Road, veered off the road and smashed through a fence before crashing into the restaurant.
All three occupants of the car were pronounced dead at the scene, Takanini police said. No one inside the restaurant was injured.
The New Zealand Police Serious Crash Unit is investigating the circumstances leading to the accident.
The police said they had received no driving complaints before the crash, the vehicle was not reported stolen and officers were not pursuing it when the accident occurred. The restaurant remained closed to customers at the time, although employees were present inside. The crash led to extensive damage to the restaurant. Tables were strewn about the restaurant and “glass was just all over”.
The vehicle was extensively damaged and resting at an angle against the building, it’s bodywork was badly crumpled, while sections of metal fencing had been twisted and flattened around the wreckage.
A company spokesperson confirmed that none of the staff members were injured and that the company was working with the franchisee and employees to provide support.
Confirming that all three deceased were of Indian origin and hailed from Punjab, president of the Central Sikh Association and Supreme Sikh Society Daljit Singh said the families wanted the bodies repatriated to India and community representatives were in contact with them to facilitate the arrangements.
"All three bodies will be sent to India as per the wishes of the family and we are in contact with the family members, Singh said, extending condolences to the bereaved families.
"We cannot share their specific details or any other information at this moment", he said.
Singh said the community would be approached for assistance once the police investigation progressed. We cannot share their details or any information yet