An Indian worker, Sandesh Singh, who moved to New Zealand around six months ago on a work visa, died in a single-vehicle crash near Queenstown, leaving his family in India facing the loss of a loved one thousands of kilometres from home.
Singh from Jammu has died following a serious single-vehicle crash at Kawarau Falls in South Island, early on Sunday, 4 October.
Emergency services were called to State Highway 6, also known as Kingston Road, between Peninsula Road and Boyd Road at approximately 3.54 am.
Four people were in the vehicle. Police confirmed that one person died at the scene, while the three other occupants were injured. Two people reportedly suffered serious injuries, with one of them critically injured.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand said several people had to be extricated from the vehicle, with crews from Frankton and Queenstown attending the scene. A second Queenstown crew arrived with cutting equipment to assist with the rescue operation.
Police’s Serious Crash Unit was expected to investigate the circumstances of the collision, with temporary road closures anticipated during the investigation.
The exact cause of the crash has not been publicly confirmed.
Singh had arrived on a work visa, hoping to build a better future and support his family in Jammu. He was living in Queenstown and working for a commercial cleaning company.
His sudden death has left family members, friends, colleagues and others in the community grieving, while his family remains in India awaiting the return of his body for his final rites.
A fundraising appeal has been launched on Givealittle by his close friend Surinder Singh, who said the two had studied together in India and had known each other for around 10 years. Both were living in Queenstown and had remained close friends.
The fundraiser aims to cover the costs of bringing Sandesh’s body home to Jammu, including repatriation, documentation, funeral arrangements and related expenses.
Any remaining funds will be given to his mother to support her during this difficult time.
The appeal describes Sandesh as a young man who had travelled to New Zealand with hopes of working hard, improving his circumstances and providing for his family.
His death has left his loved ones facing the difficult task of arranging his return home while coping with the sudden loss.
The investigation into the crash remains ongoing.
Support our Journalism
No-nonsense journalism. No paywalls. Whether you’re in Australia, the UK, Canada, the USA, or India, you can support The Australia Today by taking a paid subscription via Patreon or donating via PayPal — and help keep honest, fearless journalism alive.
