WELLINGTON, May 16 (Xinhua) -- Two tourists from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of south China were killed on Friday afternoon in a traffic accident on the South Island of New Zealand, the Chinese Consulate General in Christchurch confirmed on Saturday.

Two others from Hong Kong were injured in the accident, which occurred at an intersection in Selwyn District in central Canterbury, the consulate general said, citing local police.

The consulate general had immediately activated an emergency response mechanism to offer timely consular services and assistance to the injured and their families.

As the South Island moves from autumn to winter with unpredictable weather conditions, the consulate general reiterated that tourists driving themselves should be extra vigilant to avoid traffic accidents. ■