A Punjabi girl named Harpreet Kaur has been killed in a horrific accident in Wellington, New Zealand.
The accident took place in her own driveway where she was assisting her sister to jump-start their car.
A community spokesman, Parminder Singh from Papatoetoe told SBS Punjabi that Harpreet belonged to a Kiwi-Indian family who are living in Wellington for the past few years.
"We are in deep shock following the death of Harpreet in such tragic circumstances,” said Mr Singh.
“She was also known with the name of Maria Singh. She was a budding youth-leader and a volunteer who committed to the welfare of the people. She was a very kind and humble person.
“She was pursuing higher studies at Massey University Auckland and had gone to Wellington to attend her sister’s graduation ceremony.
“We understand that she died after she tried to stop her car rolling back from a steep slope.
“Paramedics were called but she couldn’t be saved. Her sister who tried to save her was treated for minor injuries.
“We know the Manak family for their commitment to serve the community.
“They’re devoted Sikh people who have a major contribution in establishing Gurdwara sahib [Sikh temple] in Wellington.
“Harpreet’s uncle Satnam Singh Manak is a well-known journalist and sub-editor of a Punjabi Daily Newspaper Ajit in India.
“The community is really upset after hearing this tragic loss. We express our deepest sympathy to the family.
Police are investigating the matter and a report is being prepared for the coroner.
