One dead, three seriously hurt in bus crash

One person has died after a bus rolled on the Milford Highway in Fiordland.

St John Ambulance spokeswoman Alena Lynch said one person had been killed, three of the 13 passengers had serious injuries and one moderate injuries.

The tourist bus rolled near the Te Anau Downs in icy conditions, according to a statement released by police.

Police Southern Communications said two people from the group were taken to Dunedin Hospital.

The police serious crash unit is investigating the cause of the crash.

Ms Lynch said two helicopters - one from Dunedin, the other from Te Anau - had been sent to the scene of the crash.

"The roads are really icy, there are really bad conditions," Ms Lynch said.

"We've been very busy," she said.

It was the third accident St John had responded to in the space of half an hour, she said.

One person had minor injuries after a van carrying six passengers crashed on the Mossburn-Te Anau Highway, State Highway 94.

Other passengers have been taken to the Mossburn Fire Station, a police statement said.

Another bus with 18 passengers rolled between Athol-Five Rivers Highway, State Highway 6, near the Highway Cafe.

Senior Sgt Bruce Terry said one of the passengers received a fractured cheek, one concussion and several others received minor cuts and bruises.

He said State Highway 6 has been closed because of "severe black ice".

"Driving conditions continue to be very hazardous due to shaded areas and heavy fog around Te Anau.

"We urge people to drive cautiously in these areas. Police have been shocked at the speed drivers have been travelling at and at the manner of driving, given the very heavy frost," Mr Terry said.
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- NZHERALD STAFF