Fundraiser for Christchurch family involved in serious crash

Monday, 24 June 2019

Four people were injured in the crash in rural Marlborough on Saturday.

A fundraising page has been created for a Christchurch family involved in a serious crash when the car they were in rolled off the road at high speed.

Emergency services were called to the crash on State Highway 6, between Okaramio and Havelock in Marlborough, about 12.35pm on Saturday.

The car rolled several times at high speed.

Stuff understands the 41-year-old driver of the car, Steven Byrne, his wife, Dianne, and two children – Gracie, 7, and Evan, 13 – were injured when he experienced a possible medical event. The car rolled several times at high speed and landed in a paddock, killing a sheep.

Steven Byrne and Gracie were flown to Wellington Hospital in a critical condition. Gracie was then flown to Starship Hospital in Auckland, while Dianne Byrne and Evan were taken to Blenheim's Wairau Hospital by ambulance. The mother and son remained in a stable condition on Monday.

Two helicopters were sent to the scene on Saturday.

The incident happened just after 12.35pm on Saturday.

* Two critically injured in crash on State Highway 6, Marlborough

* Crash reported on State Highway 60 intersection near Nelson**

The Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter arrives at the scene.

A Givealittle page for the family was created on Monday by their neighbour.

The page says both Steven Byrne and Gracie were in intensive care in critical, but stable conditions.

The fundraiser was set up to help the family, who were spread across three hospitals.

'They're all a long way from home, and from each other. They have some family with them currently, and other family and friends are hoping to be with them as soon as possible.'

The short-term need was to help pay for flights and accommodation for 'key support people' to be with Steven Byrne and Gracie. Money would also be needed once the family was home.

'The Byrne family mean a huge amount to everyone here in their church, school and local communities. Please give generously so we can support them the way they've always supported all of us.'

Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesman Daniel Reilly earlier said two fire crews were sent to the scene, one from Havelock and one from Renwick.

The crash happened about halfway between the two towns, he said.

The police serious crash unit is investigating.