Three Korean Ski Racers Tragically Killed In New Zealand Car Accident

A devastating car accident has claimed the lives of three South Korean national ski racers who were training in the Queenstown Lakes region. The Three Korean skiers were killed in a horror crash on State Highway 79 in New Zealand hree Korean skiers were killed in a horror crash on State Highway 79 in New Zealand, The team is in New Zealand to participate in the Winter Games held at Cardrona, Coronet Peak, and The Remarkables. They were training at Roundhill Ski Area at Tekapo. 

Shim Hye-min, an official from South Korea’s Sport and Olympic Committee, said the three victims who died were South Korean ski athletes who were visiting New Zealand for training. The committee and South Korea’s Ski and Snowboard Association didn’t immediately provide more information.

They were traveling to a training camp at Roundhill Ski Area in Tekapod area at the time of the accident.

Emergency services responded to the scene, but sadly, all three victims were pronounced dead at the scene. The cause of the accident is currently under investigation by local authorities.

A spokesperson from the Korean Embassy in Wellington could not comment on the fatal crash. “At this stage, we are unable to provide any information regarding this matter as the investigation is still on the way by the police,” they said.

Nigel Bowen, the mayor of Timaru district, in an interview with New Zealand news outlets said “It’s the most dangerous piece of state highway in our district. The speed limit in our view is too high. We requested in August last year that it go from 100 kmh [62.5 mph] down to 70 to 80 kmh [44-50 mph] and also the road seal is consistently bad and we’ve requested major improvements there as well.”

The tragic news has sent shockwaves through the international skiing community. The South Korean Olympic Committee has expressed its deep condolences to the families and friends of the deceased athletes.

The accident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by athletes as they train and compete. The skiing community will undoubtedly come together to mourn the loss of these talented young athletes and offer support to their loved ones.