In November, a 68-year-old died in a car accident near Christchurch. A Swiss tourist was involved in the accident. He has now been convicted.
Jan 16, 2026, 3:36 p.mJanuary 16, 2026, 3:39 p.m
The 32-year-old Swiss appeared remorseful in court: “You have every right to be angry with me,” he said to the victim’s relatives. He is solely responsible for the tragedy. He regrets that from the bottom of his heart; to this day he doesn’t know how it came about.
That happened Accident in mid-November. At an intersection on State Highway 73 west of Christchurch, the Swiss driver crashed his car into an oncoming vehicle. The 68-year-old died on site and two people were injured. The road had to be closed for several hours.
According to the judge, the Swiss had wanted to turn and therefore ended up in the oncoming lane. The woman had no chance to react. Nevertheless, he also recognizes the Swiss man’s remorse and willingness to cooperate.
The man was ultimately sentenced to an 18-month driving ban. He also has to pay the victim’s family 10,000 New Zealand dollars and another 2,500 to a charitable organization.
The Swiss was in New Zealand as a tourist. He has not been allowed to leave the country since the accident. Accordingly, he had no income during this time. His lawyer tried to bring the court date forward, but that didn’t work. The 32-year-old had already pleaded guilty in December. (front)