Australian traveler Grace reported that poor conditions made for a scary drive over the road when two buses rolled on State Highway 8 in the Mackenzie District this morning.
Fifteen people have been taken to hospital by St John after the single-vehicle crashes occurred 100 meters apart on the Tekapo-Twizel Highway about 8.40 am on Thursday.
Seven from the scene of the crash, including two people in serious condition, two in moderate condition, and three with minor injuries, were taken to Dunedin and Timaru hospitals via helicopter.
Grace gave first aid to visibly shaken passengers, who were quite lacerated by the glass. She spent 25 minutes tending to wounds and keeping people warm on a bitterly cold morning before the firefighter crews arrived. The driver appeared to be in shock with a broken arm or wrist, and the children were upset and crying.
The Chinese Embassy spokesperson said staff from the Christchurch Consulate was on their way to the scene. A spokesperson at the China Consulate-General in Christchurch said police advised them that two buses carrying Chinese tourists had rolled.
Staff from the consulate had visited the seriously injured pair, and the embassy had asked travel agencies to accommodate the remainder of the Chinese tourists involved.
The New Zealand Transport Agency / Waka Kotahi (NZTA) advised motorists to expect delays, with this section of the road possibly closed for the rest of the day and no immediate detours available. Drivers should allow travel times at least two hours longer while SH8 remains closed.
Westbound travelers should use SH8 east to Timaru, SH1 south to the SH82 junction, and the inland route on SH82 to Kurow/SH83 junction, with westbound to SH8/83 Otematata. Eastbound travellers should use the reverse route.
The Serious Crash Unit is investigating the crash, and the exact cause of the crashes is still being determined. Fire and Emergency crews left the scene about midday, but the road remained closed.
NZTA will investigate road and roadside conditions alongside police investigations. The condition of both buses will also be examined as part of the investigation.
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