Family members witness crash that claimed lives

A family travelling in convoy witnessed the horrific crash south of Dunedin that claimed the lives of two mothers.

Charlene Hong Hue Phuong and Fay Lesley Leota died in a two-vehicle crash at Waihola, about 30 minutes south of Dunedin, on Saturday.

Three others were injured in the crash, including two who sustained critical injuries.

A teenager, who Stuff understands sparked calls to police in the lead-up to the fatal crash, has since been charged.

Phuong, a mother of a young son, was described on a Givealittle page as ‘‘one of the most beautiful, kind-hearted, hard-working and generous people you could ever have the pleasure of knowing’’.

The 22-year-old had recently completed a surveying degree, and was preparing to start her career.

Leota, a mother of seven, had ‘‘raised strong, capable, and respectful sons and a daughter that will no doubt all find their way in life and succeed in whatever they put their mind and efforts on’’.

The crash had left ‘‘two less beautiful, shining lights in this world’’, the page said.

‘‘Rest in peace and love, beautiful mothers.’’

The pair were travelling in the same vehicle with Leota in the back and Phuong in the front.

They were part of a family convoy driving south, before heading to Queenstown.

It is understood family members in following vehicles saw the horror crash unfold as the teenage driver of the northbound car allegedly pulled-out to pass before the oncoming traffic.

The teen is expected to appear in the Youth Court today on two counts of dangerous driving causing death and two of dangerous driving causing injury.

Police have been approached for comment.