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3 Boston U Students Die in New Zealand Crash

Another is critically injured

By the Associated Press

Posted May 12, 2012 10:21 AM CDT

(AP) – Three Boston University students who were studying in New Zealand were killed today when their minivan crashed. At least five other students from the university were injured in the accident, including one who was in critical condition. The students were traveling in a minivan about 7:30am near the North Island vacation town of Taupo when the vehicle drifted to the side of the road and then rolled when the driver tried to correct course, police said.

Three of the students died at the scene. Another woman was in critical condition at an area hospital, while at least four other students suffered moderate injuries. All of the students except one were enrolled in a BU study abroad program in Auckland, the BU website said. Sixteen students were traveling in two minivans, on their way to hike the Tongariro Crossing, a famous trek rated as one of the most spectacular in New Zealand.

Police and fire crew examine the scene of a minivan crash near Turangi, New Zealand, Saturday.
Police and fire crew examine the scene of a minivan crash near Turangi, New Zealand, Saturday.   (John Cowpland)
Police examine the scene of a minivan crash near Turangi, New Zealand, Saturday.
Police examine the scene of a minivan crash near Turangi, New Zealand, Saturday.   (John Cowpland)
A backpack lies on the road.
A backpack lies on the road.   (AP Photo/New Zealand Herald, John Cowpland)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 3 comments
ladyrosedeky
May 13, 2012 12:02 PM CDT
This is sad for their families and friends but could have been avoided from other reports just as Princess Di's death if they would have been wearing their seat belts. A lesson to be learned from this tragedy.
Disillusioned
May 12, 2012 10:33 AM CDT
People die, people die in car crashes all the time, they even screw up and have wrecks in other countries. What makes this so newsworthy? I rate this "story" right along side Slates take on training wheels, WTF makes them news worthy? Not one damn thing
B-Diddy
May 12, 2012 10:29 AM CDT
They were possibly driving on the wrong side of the road. NZ is similar to Austrailia  and the UK, which is the opposite of the USA, this mistake can easily be made. This is probably why they had to swerve.

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