Three Koreans remain seriously ill in hospital after bus crash

One of a group of Korean tourists injured in a tourist bus crash in Otorohanga yesterday nearly had her arm severed, a witness on the scene said.

The bus rolled on State Highway 31, 10km north of Otorohanga at 11.40am yesterday.

It is thought a tyre blow-out led to the crash.

Hamilton man Mike Hamblyn was travelling south with his family and was the first medically trained person at the scene.

"It was pretty horrific, but then the training kicked in and you just got on with the job," he said.

Mr Hamblyn helped the injured before emergency services arrived. One woman he cared for had her arm almost severed, and he used cloth thrown from the bus to try to stem the blood flow.

Waikato Hospital spokeswoman Karen Bennett said one woman is in intensive care in a critical condition with head and arm injuries.

Two others are in serious condition in the hospital's high dependency unit. Eleven other people were treated at the hospital and released.

Ms Bennett said the hospital's emergency plan was put into effect as patients began arriving in a fleet of ambulances and two helicopters.

She said as soon as word of the crash came, hospital staff and people from Hamilton with Korean language skills came forward offering assistance with medical care and translation services.

Korean consulate staff travelled from Auckland following the crash to help the victims. The Korean Embassy is contacting the families of those hurt.

The Kings Coachlines bus had been chartered by Auckland company Dolphin Tours and was fitted with seatbelts. It had 14 tourists and a driver on board.

It is thought the bus was taking the tourists to the Waitomo Caves.

The bus spun in a 180-degree turn and ended up on the opposite side of the road.

The road was closed for more than four hours.

- NZPA