Latest on Otira Gorge crash

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Those travelling along State Highway 73 through Otira Gorge yesterday experienced massive delays after a bus and a car collided, closing the road.

Police have confirmed that all 36 people involved in yesterday’s crash along Arthur’s Pass were tourists.

The car involved was travelling east and the bus was heading towards the West Coast. The bus rolled onto its side, containing 33 tourists while the car, containing three tourists, was crushed.

Five people were initially flown to Christchurch in serious conditions and three were taken by road to Greymouth Hospital.

The Nelson rescue helicopter was dispatched with two ambulance staff members and two nelson fire specialist extrication crew members.

 

A serious crash investigation is underway and Police will consider all potential causes of the crash, including the possibility of a mechanical failure on the bus.