One British tourist has died and three others have been left seriously injured after a four-seater quad bike crashed in New Zealand.
The shocking incident took place at about 10.45am local time on Thursday in the town of Martinborough, located on New Zealand’s North Island.
Authorities said the accident involved a four-wheel, pedal-powered cycle. Two people were reportedly flown to Wellington Hospital following the crash.
A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office spokesperson told the PA news agency: “Our team in New Zealand have provided advice on bereavement abroad after one British person died and three others were seriously injured in Martinborough.
“Our thoughts are with the family at this difficult time.”
New Zealand Police confirmed they were working with the British high commission in Wellington as part of an investigation into the accident.
Insp Brad Allen, Wellington district road policing manager, said in a statement: “The deceased was critically injured but died at the scene before they could be airlifted to hospital. Three other people, also on the bike, suffered serious injuries.
“Police’s thoughts, aroha and condolences go out to the family and loved ones of the deceased. The serious crash unit are conducting a scene examination and inquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.”
Indi Bikes Martinborough owner Wayde Mines told local news outlet Stuff two couples had hired the four-seater quad.
He said it was “a beautiful day in Martinborough”, an area known for its vinyards, that “ended badly”.
Mr Mines added: “They certainly weren’t party-party, we’re gonna drink lots of alcohol on the bike and get hammered. It’s horrible.”
Shayne Hammond, general manager of Poppies Winery, based near the crash site, described as “horrifically sad”.
He told public broadcaster Radio New Zealand (RNZ): “You can’t express the sadness. Everyone’s hurting and a couple of the guys are definitely struggling.”
It is popular for visitors to tour the wineries on foot, he added, noting that the speed limit on the road may need to be reduced “because the use of that road has changed in the last 10, 20 years”.
“We can never allow (this) to happen again so we’ve got to find simple solutions to achieve that,” he added.
A police spokesperson told RNZ: “There have been no significant crashes of note in the last year on that stretch, except for yesterday’s.
“No issues have been raised with or by Waka Kotahi (the New Zealand transport agency) or council in relation to this stretch of the road in the last two years.”