The crash happened between Hayman Road and Tekapo Canal Road on Saturday. Photo: X / Anwar Ibrahim
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has expressed his condolences to the families of two foreign students killed in a crash near Lake Pukaki.
The crash between two vehicles and a motorcycle happened between Hayman Road and Tekapo Canal Road on Saturday.
Three people died, while three others suffered serious injuries and two others moderate injuries.
In a statement, the Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed five Malaysian students were involved in the crash, two of whom died.
"The ministry and High Commission of Malaysia stand ready to assist should the next-of-kin decide to repatriate the remains to Malaysia."
The other three injured were taken to Christchurch Hospital, it said.
The Malaysian government would provide assistance to the victims and their family members, Ibrahim said in a social media post
"My condolences to the families of two Malaysian students who died in a road accident in Lake Tekapo, New Zealand."
He wished a speedy recovery to the three other Malaysian students injured in the incident.
"The Malaysian government through the High Commission in New Zealand will provide appropriate assistance to the victims and family members."
An hour and a half after the fatal crash, about 10 people were injured in a second crash further along the highway.
Mackenzie District Council mayor Anne Munro urged holidaymakers to take extra care on the roads.
It was extremely sad, Munro said as she sent condolences to the victims' families.