Coroner Finds Fault in Fatal Crash That Killed Four Korean Skiers

A tragic head-on collision on State Highway 79 near Geraldine, South Canterbury, which resulted in the deaths of four young Korean skiers, has been ruled to be the result of the coach, Bum-Hee Cho, crossing the centre line, according to a coroner’s inquest.

The coroner, Mary-Anne Borrowdale, found that the lives of Junwoo Park (24), Sangseo Kim (16), and coach Bum-Hee Cho (23) could have been saved if they had been wearing seatbelts. Hyunseo Han (17) survived the crash but later succumbed to his injuries on December 2, 2024, after a prolonged hospital stay.

The incident occurred on August 21, 2024, when the group of young athletes and their coaches were returning from a training session in a convoy. Cho was driving the lead vehicle, a Toyota Estima, when the collision occurred with a Toyota Surf driven by a 24-year-old man returning home from a day of skiing.

Seatbelts Could Have Saved Lives
The coroner emphasized that the lack of seatbelt use significantly increased the severity of the injuries sustained by the victims. She noted that if the occupants had been properly restrained, the outcome might have been different.

"It is clear from the evidence that the injuries sustained by these young men were made considerably worse because they were not wearing seatbelts," said Borrowdale. "I wish to reinforce the message to motorists: always wear your seatbelt."

Coach’s Actions Were a Key Factor
Senior Constable Paul Beaver, an experienced crash investigator, stated that Cho had an obstructed view of the oncoming vehicle due to the road’s curvature, making it appear as if the Surf driver was on the wrong side of the road when in fact it was Cho who had crossed the centre line.

Beaver noted that Cho had been fined the night before the crash for speeding and failing to produce a driver's license, indicating a lack of focus on road safety. Fatigue, potentially due to the demanding training schedule, may have played a role in his momentary lapse in concentration.

Victims’ Final Moments
The coroner provided a detailed account of the victims' final moments. Cho, Park, and Kim were immediately killed upon impact, while Han was trapped in the vehicle with life-threatening injuries. He was airlifted to Christchurch Hospital, where he later developed complications including a severe chest infection, leading to his death in December.

Emergency Response Praised
Borrowdale acknowledged that the emergency services responded in a "timely and professional" manner. Paramedics arrived at the scene within minutes of the crash and provided immediate assistance to the injured.

Family Concerns Addressed
The families of the victims raised concerns about the loading of the vehicle with unrestrained ski equipment. Borrowdale noted that while there are no regulations in New Zealand restricting how cargo must be stowed in personal-use vehicles, the presence of loose equipment did not contribute to the victims' injuries.

Call for Improved Safety Awareness
The coroner concluded that the incident was a tragic reminder of the importance of road safety. She urged drivers and passengers to always wear seatbelts and emphasized that this simple action can reduce the risk of death or serious injury by up to 40% in a crash.

"Wearing a seatbelt reduces by 40% your chances of being killed or injured in a road crash. Do not take chances by being unrestrained in any motor vehicle," she said.

The coroner extended her condolences to the families of the victims, acknowledging the immense grief they have endured. She expressed a commitment to providing full transparency in the investigation and ensuring that such a tragedy is never repeated.

"I acknowledge that the content of this finding is likely to be distressing and emotionally challenging for [the victims’] loved ones. To you all, I acknowledge your loss and grief, and I extend my condolences," Borrowdale said.