Emergency services were called to the crash in Main North Rd about 6.50pm.
In a statement this morning, police said one person in each vehicle died at the scene, and a third person - a second occupant of one of the vehicles - was critically injured and died in Christchurch Hospital overnight.
It's the second fatal crash in the area since Friday, when two people in a car were killed at the scene of a collision with a school bus just outside of the town, at the intersection of Broad and Harleston roads, about 3.30pm.
Canterbury Rural Area Commander Inspector Peter Cooper said five families’ lives have been turned upside down in the space of a weekend.
“This is an incredibly sad blow to not only the families of the deceased, but to all those affected in a small community - which includes the attending emergency services, some of whom would have attended both crashes."
While the exact causes of the crashes remained under investigation, Insp Cooper said there was poor weather in the area at the time of yesterday's crash.
“It’s a very sad reminder to people of the importance of taking care every single time you get behind the wheel.”
Main North Rd was closed last night but had since reopened.
Sefton, roughly 35km north of Christchurch, is a small community.
Waimakariri District Mayor Dan Gordon told NZME the crashes were “very sad news” that no community nor family would want to hear.
“They’re traumatic incidents, there’s been a loss of life and will be an enquiry but my thoughts are with the family and those who lost loved ones,” he said.
“It’s something distressing for any family and community.”
The Sefton community was described by Gordon as “caring” and he expects people will rally with support for any involved.
“Our emergency services are locals in the community, so it’s obviously traumatic for them to turn out to incidents like this where there’s loss of life.”
Friday crash victim involved in music scene
One of the victims of the school bus crash was Jesse Crossan, a Christchurch man heavily involved in the city’s music scene.
Friend and local DJ Nick Flack told The New Zealand Herald Crossan was a great friend to many in the music scene and had a passion that was “infectious”.
He said he inspired many others to pursue their own musical dreams.
“Jesse was always willing to lend a helping hand to his fellow friends, whether it was by sharing his knowledge and expertise or by simply being a supportive friend,” he said in a statement.
“He was a true collaborator of life who loved nothing more than being with his friends and creating beautiful memories together.”
Crossan was also a keen barber, Flack said.
“Jesse’s contributions to the Christchurch music and barbering scene will never be forgotten. He was a shining example of what it means to be a true authentic human being and a true friend.”
- ODT Online and NZ Herald
