A Dutch tourist has been remanded on bail after an appearance in Christchurch District Court this morning over the deaths of three people in a car smash at the weekend.
Johannes Jacobus Appelman, 52, did not enter a plea on three counts of careless use of a vehicle causing death and one charge of careless use of a vehicle causing injury.
Appelman, who has been discharged from hospital after suffering minor injuries in the crash, was alleged to have run a stop sign at the Thompsons Track and Somerton Road intersection near Rakaia, his car colliding with a Volvo carrying four people from Christchurch on their way to visiting family friends at Lake Ohau.
Christchurch woman Sally Vanessa Summerfield, 49, her daughter Ella Yasmin Summerfield, 12, and Ella's friend Abi Hone, 12, were killed instantly in the crash. Ms Summerfield's 48-year-old husband Shane, who was driving, suffered serious injuries.
Appelman, who was represented by Christchurch lawyer Phil Shamy, appeared before a registrar and was remanded to reappear on July 10.
He made no comment as he left court.
