BU Student Charged In Fatal New Zealand Crash

BOSTON (CBS) - A Boston University student who caused a deadly crash in New Zealand is now facing charges.

Police charged the driver with three counts of careless driving causing death and four counts of careless driving causing injury.

The New Zealand Herald identifies the driver as 20-year-old Stephen Houseman.

RELATED: BU Identifies 8 Students Involved In Crash

He was behind the wheel of a minivan last Saturday when he lost control.

The van flipped and rolled over several times. Three of Houseman's BU classmates were killed.

Four others suffered serious injuries.

"We are very aware that this is an incredibly difficult situation which has been traumatic for all those involved," says Bay of Plenty Road Policing Manager Inspector Kevin Taylor.

"As with any investigation into a serious road crash, we look at three factors which could have contributed: the vehicle, the environment and people.

"We have done that and determined there is sufficient evidence to lay charges against the driver."

Houseman will appear before the Auckland District Court and has been asked to surrender his passport while the court process is ongoing.