KEY POINTS:
Three Hong Kong tourists have been hospitalised after they were involved in a road accident near Arthur's Pass today.
Constable John Armstrong of Hokitika police told NZPA the injured were part of a group of seven tourists from Hong Kong in a van travelling from Franz Josef to Christchurch when they hit an icy patch on highway near Otira, nine kilometres from Arthur's Pass.
The van ran off the road and rolled just after 9.20am, Mr Armstrong said.
The three tourists taken to hospital escaped with minor injuries and were expected to be released today.
The remaining tourists were spending the evening in Greymouth before continuing their holiday, Mr Armstrong said.
He said there were signs warning drivers of icy patches on the road, "but very few people take notice of them".
- NZPA
