Four people killed in horror Ashburton crash named by police

‘Absolute tragedy’ after van and truck crash near Ashburton River flood zone. Video / George Heard

Four people who died in a horror crash in Ashburton last week have been named by police.

They were Sheryll Cairns, 66, Avinash Chand, 33, and Donald Wallace, 61, all of Christchurch, and Jonathan Campbell, 54, of Auckland.

Avinash Chand died in a the crash on June 4 in Ashburton that also killed three others. Photo / Supplied

Police said they would like to extend their sympathies to their families “at this very
difficult time”.

The investigation into the crash is ongoing.

The four died last Friday morning when a van driven by Chand collided with a truck on Cochranes Rd.

The other victims were passengers in the van.

Four people were killed when the van collided with a truck in Ashburton on June 4. Photo / George Heard

Two other passengers and the driver of the truck were injured.

Police are still investigating the cause of the fatal crash but said on Friday it appeared the van had gone through a controlled intersection.

Area Commander Inspector David Gaskin attributed the “absolute tragedy” to “a moment of inattention”.

Ashburton Area Commander David Gaskin talked to media after the fatal crash claimed four lives on Cochrane Rd, Ashburton. Photo / George Heard

Chand was an owner of Identity Tours and was transporting clients to the Golden Guitar music competition in Gore when the crash happened.

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Chand’s brother Visal earlier told the Herald his family was “so broken”.

“We are trying to gain strength and trying coming to terms with what has happened to my brother who was so loved by family and friends.”

He said his brother was born and raised in Fiji, in the Savutalele settlement in Suva.
Chand is survived by three siblings and his parents.

Emergency services at the scene of the fatal crash on Cochrane Rd, Ashburton involving a van and a truck. Photo / George Heard

“Avi is widely missed,” said Visal Chand, a Christchurch pastor.

“He was a much-loved nephew, cheeky cousin, cherished brother-in-law.”

Many family members would not be able to travel to New Zealand for Chand’s funeral, which was heartbreaking.

“My message to the drivers and community is that whatever type of vehicle you drive – please follow all road rules and signs.

“Respect all motorists – they may be someone’s brothers or sisters or a loved person for someone.”

Visal Chand also implored local authorities to do all they could to improve intersection safety.

Conditions at the intersection of the fatal crash as well as the presence and quality of road markings and signage will be part of the police investigation.

Visal Chand hoped his brother’s death would push councils and roading authorities to enhance safety features at rural intersections where needed.

“It’s truly heartbreaking to see poor road marks and signs on rural roads,” he said.

“It claims so many lives … please do something about it – upgrade signs and check for any improvements necessary at least to prevent accidents.”

One of the other victims, Campbell, had an intellectual disability and had been supported by Idea Services for many years, Stuff reported.

He had been “incredibly excited” about his trip to the South Island to attend the Gold Guitar Awards music festival in Gore.

Idea Services Counties area manager Angie Kumar said Campbell was “well-liked among his friends and our staff”.

“He always enjoyed holidays locally and abroad, and he was incredibly excited to go on this trip down south – we are very sad to lose our friend,” he told Stuff.

“We all extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends and many of our staff who knew him well and supported him in Auckland.”