15 Jan 2019

Farewell messages carved into site of fatal crash

6:43 pm on 15 January 2019

Heartfelt messages have been left at a memorial paying tribute to three teenagers who died in a car crash in Christchurch on Sunday.

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Photo: RNZ / Dan Dalgety

A stolen car crashed into a tree and burst into flames after fleeing from the police and running over road spikes.

A memorial was set up on Blenheim Road in Riccarton in memory of the three teenagers.

Farewell messages were carved into a tree and onto a sign, and flowers, including roses, were left by people who wanted to show their support.

A pinwheel near the base of the tree whirled in the breeze as people stopped to look at messages or reflect for a moment.

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Photo: RNZ / Dan Dalgety

Some of the messages at the memorial included: "Rest easy, my brother"; "Rest in peace. I hope you're in a better place"; and "Rest easy, boys. Forever in our hearts."

The police have yet to formally name the three teenagers who died, but would like to hear from anyone who was in Moorhouse Avenue or Blenheim Road about 11am on Sunday evening.

Anyone who saw a white Mazda prior to the crash or witnessed the crash itself are also being asked to come forward.

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Photo: RNZ / Dan Dalgety