Chandigarh: Three young people of Punjabi origin lost their lives after the car they were travelling in crashed into a BurgerFuel outlet in Takanini, South Auckland, on Diwali night. The victims included two men and a woman, and all were declared dead at the scene.
The collision occurred shortly after 10.15 pm on Sunday, November 8, along Great South Road. According to initial accounts, the car lost control near a roundabout, left the roadway, struck a fence and then slammed into the restaurant building.
Emergency crews responded to the scene, but none of the three occupants could be saved. Police confirmed that everyone inside the BurgerFuel premises escaped injury, even though staff members were present when the vehicle tore into the structure.
Restaurant Damaged
The impact left the outlet badly damaged, with debris and broken glass scattered across the interior. The car itself was severely wrecked and came to rest at an angle against the building, while parts of the surrounding metal fencing were bent and flattened by the force of the collision, as reported by The New Indian Express.
A BurgerFuel spokesperson said the company was working with the franchisee and employees to offer support after the incident. The spokesperson also confirmed that no staff member had been hurt.
Probe On
New Zealand Police’s Serious Crash Unit has begun examining what led to the crash. Officers said they had not received any earlier complaints about the way the vehicle was being driven, that it had not been reported stolen, and that police were not chasing it when the accident occurred.
The restaurant was closed to customers at the time of the crash, which police said reduced the risk to people inside. Investigators are still working to establish the full sequence of events and the factors behind the loss of control.
Community Mourns
Daljit Singh, president of the Central Sikh Association and Supreme Sikh Society, confirmed that all three deceased were Indian-origin and belonged to Punjab. He said the tragedy had deeply shaken families and the wider Punjabi community, particularly because it happened on Diwali night.
“All three bodies will be sent to India as per the wishes of the family and we are in contact with the family members,” Singh said, extending condolences to the bereaved families.
“We cannot share their specific details or any other information at this moment,” he added.
Singh said community members may be approached for support once police complete their investigation. “On behalf of the community, our condolences are with family and friends at this sad time and the community will be asked for help as police investigations are completed,” he said.