A man who was killed in a crash between two motorbikes and a car in Christchurch last night was an off-duty St John ambulance officer.
(File photo). Photo: Supplied / St John Ambulance
The 22-year-old died and another off-duty officer was badly injured in the crash at the corner of Halswell Road and Aidenfield Drive in the suburb of Halswell.
St John Ambulance Canterbury district manager Curt Ward said the officer's death was a tragedy.
"This devastating loss has been widely felt across the St John whānau and we have reached out to offer our condolences and support to all those affected, including the whānau of the deceased," he said in a statement.
Ward said St John was providing support to the other ambulance officer, who was taken to hospital with serious injuries.
"Whilst attending these types of accidents is not uncommon for our ambulance team, they are never easy, and in this incidence, further compounded by involving our own people," he said.
"We want to acknowledge the care delivered by our ambulance team last night to their colleague and friend. The ambulance workforce is a small tight-knit team, and these types of events are extremely difficult to deal with."
The crash was reported to police at 6.45pm and closed the road while the serious crash unit investigated.