3 Boston U Students Die in New Zealand Crash

Three Boston University students who were studying in New Zealand were killed today when their minivan crashed. At least five other students from the university were injured in the accident, including one who was in critical condition. The students were traveling in a minivan about 7:30am near the North Island vacation town of Taupo when the vehicle drifted to the side of the road and then rolled when the driver tried to correct course, police said.

Three of the students died at the scene. Another woman was in critical condition at an area hospital, while at least four other students suffered moderate injuries. All of the students except one were enrolled in a BU study abroad program in Auckland, the BU website said. Sixteen students were traveling in two minivans, on their way to hike the Tongariro Crossing, a famous trek rated as one of the most spectacular in New Zealand. (More Boston University stories.)